WELLINGTON TO HOST 9/11 CEREMONY SEE STORY, PAGE 3
MIKE BRADY JOINS MADISON GREEN GOLF SEE STORY, PAGE 7
THE
TOWN - CR IER WELLINGTON • ROYAL PALM BEACH • LOXAHATCHEE • THE ACREAGE
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INSIDE
Volume 33, Number 36 September 7 - September 13, 2012
SCOUTS SUPPORT FLOOD VICTIMS
Family Thrilled As Dancer Eliana Girard Earns Television Fame
More than 25 family members and friends gathered last Wednesday night at I’m Greek Today restaurant in Royal Palm Beach for a watch party for Eliana Girard, the 21-year-old Wellington native who is appearing in Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance. Page 3
Binks Forest Hosts Benefit Tournament For Paula Richards
A benefit golf tournament was held Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington for Paula Richards, who needs a liver transplant. Following the tournament, there was a barbecue buffet and awards ceremony. Page 5
Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic Set For Oct. 6
This is an exciting year for the Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, not just because of its 31st annual Wellington Golf Classic on Saturday, Oct. 6 but also because the builders are hard at work on the new club scheduled to open in 2013. Page 9
OPINION 9/11 Anniversary: We Must Remember
This Tuesday marks the 11-year anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, the day terrorists attacked us on our own soil. Though years have passed, the importance of remembering this day has not diminished. As we remember everything we lost on 9/11, it’s also important to recall everything we gained. In that spirit, Wellington will host an observance at 6:30 p.m. that day at the Patriot Memorial. Page 4 DEPARTMENT INDEX NEWS ............................. 3 - 13 OPINION .................................4 CRIME NEWS .........................6 NEWS BRIEFS........................ 8 SCHOOLS ............................ 14 PEOPLE ............................... 15 COLUMNS .................... 23 - 24 BUSINESS ..................... 25- 27 ENTERTAINMENT ................ 29 SPORTS ........................ 33 - 35 CALENDAR ................... 36 - 37 CLASSIFIEDS ................ 38 - 42 Visit Us On The Web At WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts gathered together Saturday, Sept. 1 at Tree’s Wings & Ribs in Royal Palm Beach to accept donations of food, water and supplies for residents impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac. Items such as canned goods, wat er, baby items, pet food and bug spray were donated. Shown here, Xander Locklair, Sierra Velazquez and Zoe Kegley sort donated items. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 9 PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Cooperation Key To Isaac Recovery In Lox Groves By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report During the record rainfall associated with Tropical Storm Isaac, the Town of Loxahatchee Groves and the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District worked together to avoid what could have been a much more serious situation, community leaders said at Tuesday’s council meeting. LGWCD Administrator Clete Saunier congratulated people who worked through the storm to keep culverts clear and water draining. “I have never been more proud of the staff of the Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District,” Saunier said, noting that the general feeling at the South Florida Water Management District was that the area would receive no more than 5 inches of rain due to the storm. But on Sunday and Monday alone, there was more than 12 inches of rain within 18 hours. “That kind of rainfall at that intensity is a significant storm,” Saunier said. “Typically, even in your
modern developments such as Wellington with sidewalks and streets, an 18-inch rainfall will flood everything up to within 6 inches of every finished floor elevation in that development. We are undeveloped property, which is to an advantage and a disadvantage in the sense that we don’t have formal drainage structures or retainage basins and lakes that would allow us to evacuate some of this water.” The 12 inches of rainfall amounts to about 2 billion gallons of water that the LGWCD discharged through its gate structures. “There were problems sporadically throughout the district,” Saunier said. “I know that most of the roads were inundated.” He recommended that the town and district cooperate in a public service campaign that would describe exactly what to expect from similar storm systems. However, he said it would not be financially feasible to build a system that would keep everything high and dry in the case of a similar storm.
“Let’s face it, this is a swamp, and South Florida is based on a very low-lying marsh area, and we have to deal with that,” Saunier said. “Most of us that have lived here for many years understand that. Some of the new folks don’t understand.” He said the district is maintaining a level at the flood gates about a foot and a half lower than normal so the remaining water will continue to flow out of the northern area. Saunier noted that the flooding damaged some of the semi-paved road surfaces. “I was very thankful that we did not have more damage than we did on the OGEM roads,” he said. “There were a few failed pipes where we have some potholes, but not a whole-scale loss, which could have happened very easily, had we continued to get another 6 or so inches of rain.” Saunier said the SFWMD regulates stormwater release into the C-51 Basin. “One of the unique advantages we have in being in this district is See GROVES, page 18
Serving Palms West Since 1980
Officials Keeping A Wary Eye On The Corbett Berm By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Indian Trail Improvement District, in coordination with Palm Beach County’s Emergency Operations Center, issued an announcement Wednesday putting Acreage residents near the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area berm on alert to be prepared to take appropriate action in the event of a possible breach. The structural integrity of the berm between The Acreage and the Corbett area is being closely monitored for a possible breach that could cause flooding in areas nearest the berm. “They call it an in-shelter evacuation plan,” ITID Administrator Tanya Quickel told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “If there is a problem with the berm or a potential break, because of the levels of the road and the land, this would be similar to the type of flooding that we had last week. There is a higher probability that house pads might be flooded in the area because of the amount of water, but it is not anticipated that peo-
ple would drown in this. We are strongly encouraging people to stay in their homes in the event something did happen.” Quickel said both the South Florida Water Management District and ITID have been monitoring the berm closely. Because Corbett water levels remain above normal, the structural integrity of the berm between The Acreage and Corbett is being continuously watched. In the unlikely event that a breach were to occur, water would flow out of Corbett into the streets and canals of the northern reaches of The Acreage. However, because the water elevation in Corbett is only slightly higher than street elevations, house flooding would not be expected to occur. Residents could expect to see water conditions similar to those that they experienced during Tropical Storm Isaac: a slow rise of water levels onto streets, in canals and on low-lying property. To decrease the possibility of a breach, water levels are being See CORBETT, page 18
KIDS AT HOME DEPOT
Home Depot in Royal Palm Beach held a kids workshop Saturday, Sept. 1. This month’s project was to paint and decorate a goal post. Free how-to workshops are offered from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month. Shown above, Lili and Tyrell Konn show their completed project. MORE PHOTOS, PAGE 16
Zoning Board OKs Wellington Elder Care For Additional Beds Wellington Aims To Learn From Storm
PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Despite parking concerns, members of Wellington’s Planning, Zoning & Adjustment Board recommended approval of a resolution allowing more residents at Wellington Elder Care. The board voted 4-0 at its meeting Wednesday night to increase the number of residents allowed at the facility on Lily Court from 14 to 21. Earlier this year, members of the Wellington Village Council approved a zoning text amendment to allow for a new designation of senior housing to allow for the additional residents. “Those amendments were village-wide,” Planning & Zoning Manager David Flinchum explained. “But they were based on this particular facility and opera-
tor. This will be the first of its type in the State of Florida. The first step was to get the provision in the code. This is site-specific.” The new designation would allow Wellington Elder Care, specifically, to expand under the changed code, Flinchum explained. He noted that there are perhaps eight other sites in the village that could meet the criteria for a similar facility. “It gives a great opportunity for reinvestment,” he said. Board Member Paul Adams said he had concerns about breaking new ground. “This is the first in the state,” he said. “What if there are unintended consequences?” But Board Member Elizabeth Mariaca said that during hearings for the zoning amendment, Wellington Elder Care more than proved it was well-received by the community. “They have a con-
stant waiting list of people wanting to get into their facility,” she said. Flinchum agreed. “It was amazing during hearings how much support they had from residents and their families,” he said. Mariaca also pointed out that neighbors came in to support the measure. Adams asked about the care of residents, including laundry and nursing care. Wellington Elder Care owner Ricardo Gutierrez noted that the facility has several laundry units because it was once a multifamily unit. He added that residents have 24-hour care. “There is a certified nurse assistant on staff at all times,” he said. Kim Glas-Castro, agent for the applicant, explained that the facilSee ELDER CARE, page 18
By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report As Wellington continues to pump water out of the area, officials are studying the effects of Tropical Storm Isaac to see what improvements can be made. “The work isn’t over,” Deputy Village Manager John Bonde told the Town-Crier Monday. “Now, we are working on the part you don’t see.” Though water has drained from most yards and roads, Bonde said that the village is continuously pumping water to bring the groundwater table back down. “If we shut down operations on discharge right now, [the water level] would bounce back up,” he said. “The groundwater tables are
so high that we have to continue to drain. We know from experience that the minute you stop pumping, the canals will come back up on their own.” Bonde compared the land under Wellington to a sponge, which soaks up surrounding water. “A sponge can only hold so much, much like the canals and groundwater table,” he said. “We are squeezing the sponge.” Though residents may not still see water, Bonde said it continues to be an issue. “You don’t have to dig very deep to find it,” he said. “We are trying to get the groundwater down to a reasonable level.” This is important, he said, beSee ISAAC, page 18
New Group Lets Acreage Residents Speak Their Mind By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Residents of The Acreage have a new vehicle to share their opinions on a Facebook group called “The Acreage Speaks.” Created in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Isaac, the group has grown rapidly in just two weeks. As of Wednesday, there were 782 members — more than the Acreage Landowners’Association Facebook group (450 members) and the Indian Trail Improvement District’s Facebook page (539 “likes”). “We saw there was an outcry from residents looking for a place to vent and to get answers, and voice their concerns,” former ITID
Supervisor Sandra Love-Semande told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. Love-Semande began the page, but had no idea it would grow so quickly. “This was in response to several people who — I really thought it would only be a few — would be interested in voicing their concerns on a page that they didn’t have to worry about it being political, and be something that would give them the opportunity to voice their concerns, get answers, reach out to neighbors in need, be able to help if they were able to, or get help if they needed it.” Paramount was to allow a free
flow of expression, Love-Semande said, noting that the ITID page and the ALA group were censoring discussions that strayed off topic into the political arena. “I understand the reasons for the [ALA] deleting some comments, and also Indian Trail, because that’s really not the place for those types of comments,” Love-Semande said. “However, the comments that I saw, I didn’t feel were inappropriate or misleading or derogatory in any way, so that was another reason why I felt the need to create the page, to give the people the opportunity to speak freely.” She pointed out that there is a
disclaimer stating that if anyone is offended by any of the content, they are free to leave the group and not participate. Holly Beck, an active participant at “The Acreage Speaks,” said she was one of the residents who had comments deleted from other pages. “They weren’t personally attacking anyone,” Beck said. “There was no profanity used. A lot of comments that were negative toward the board were deleted, so you could basically only post if you had positive things to say.” Love-Semande said she thinks people are concerned that the ITID board does not take their concerns
seriously and has not been looking out for the community’s best interests. “People wanted to voice their concerns without having to worry about upsetting people,” she said. “A lot of people are scared to voice their opinions, and you can see now more people are speaking up.” Love-Semande and Beck both say the page is not politically motivated, although elections are heating up for two ITID board seats, with President Michelle Damone being challenged by Kenneth Hendrick in the race for Seat 4 and Supervisor Carlos EnSee SPEAKS, page 7
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NEWS
Local Family Thrilled As Dancer Eliana Girard Earns TV Fame By Jessica Gregoire Town-Crier Staff Report More than 25 family members and friends gathered last Wednesday night at I’m Greek Today restaurant in Royal Palm Beach for a watch party for Eliana Girard, the 21-year-old Wellington native who is appearing in Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance. “We are all so proud of her,” said her brother Justin Girard. He organized the party and gathered supporters to watch his sister, now in the top four and guaranteed a spot on the show’s national tour this fall. Eliana has been dancing since she was 3, when her mother, Della Striker, first put her in dance school. Eliana continued dancing throughout her youth while at-
tending school at Wellington Elementary School, Wellington Christian School and the Bak Middle School of the Arts. “She has always loved to dance,” Striker said. “She can do all kinds of dance.” Striker and her husband, George, have been supporting Eliana every step of the way. Striker, a yoga and Pilates instructor, took off a month from work, along with her husband, to go to California and be there for Eliana. “We got to sit in the audience and see her perform live, which is really amazing,” she said. The youngest of six, Eliana has four brothers and a sister, as well as 12 nieces and nephews, who all feel good watching her compete in the nationally televised competition. “We all are supporting her,”
I’m Greek Today owners Chris and Caki Papas with Eliana Girard’s brother and sister-in-law Justin and Mandy Girard.
Justin said. “She is the baby of the family, and we all want to see her do well.” Eliana’s journey to the show has been an intense one; she has been accomplishing goals of which many dancers only dream. As a teenager, Eliana attended Dreyfoos for only a year, and then, at 16, she headed to the Joffrey Ballet School in New York City. After high school, Eliana decided to pursue her dream of dance, studying at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. In 2009, she auditioned with Cirque du Soleil in Montreal and landed a job as a dancer and aerialist in its Viva Elvis show in Las Vegas. In March, with her contract up, Eliana auditioned for the ninth season of So You Think You Can Dance. “She has always wanted to audition, so she decided not to renew her contract with Cirque du Soleil, and flew out to L.A. to audition,” Striker said. She won a place in the audition to become one of 200 contestants sent to Las Vegas for a week in April. “Then they narrowed it down,” Striker said. “Out of the 200, they picked 10 guys and 10 girls as their top 20 to be on the TV show, and Eliana was one of the top 20.” Which brings us to where she is now. Every Wednesday, Eliana gives it her all and performs for a chance to be one of the winners. Her chances are extremely promising, since she made it to the top four. On Wednesday, Sept. 12, she will compete in the finals; the show picks just one couple as the winSee GIRARD, page 18
Eliana Girard will compete in the So You Think You Can Dance finals next week.
Wellington To Host 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Wellington will host an intimate memorial ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 11 to honor those lost in the 9/11 attacks. Starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Wellington Patriot Memorial, village officials will gather before the regular Wellington Village Council meeting to commemorate the anniversary. “It’s another year gone by,” Councilman Matt Willhite told the Town-Crier Wednesday. “I hope people remember the sacrifices people made that day, whether they were first responders or passengers who overtook an airplane.”
The event will feature the Pledge of Allegiance, singing of the national anthem, speeches by dignitaries and a wreath-laying ceremony, Community Programs Manager Michelle Garvey said. “We will also observe six moments of silence,” she said. “One for each of the towers, one for the Pentagon, one for Flight 93, and then the time the two towers collapsed. Council members will then lay a wreath in front of the steel.” Willhite encouraged members of the public to join in memorializing the day. “Our country sacrificed in more ways than the lives lost that day,” he said. “It’s something that continues to affect our country. Peo-
ple are still talking about it 11 years later, and it will always be a part of our history.” Willhite said he hopes that the Patriot Memorial can be a place where families of those lost can find some peace. “For the people who lost loved ones, it’s still a very somber day,” he said. “I am hopeful that the Patriot Memorial can help residents and those who lost loved ones.” Garvey said that there will be seating available for residents who wish to attend. “We feel that this is an important event for our residents,” she said. For more information, call (561) 791-4000.
Liggins: Everglades Projects Let RPB Drain Quickly After Storm By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report Royal Palm Beach got through the rains of Tropical Storm Isaac relatively well, although there was some road damage, Village Manager Ray Liggins told the TownCrier this week. “From the roads being inundated, we do have about $300,000 worth of damage,” Liggins said Wednesday. “Other than that, the water drained off fairly quickly. We were dry by the end of Monday. By Tuesday morning, our roads were clear.” Liggins said projects tied in with Everglades restoration have im-
proved Royal Palm Beach’s drainage tremendously. “With the Everglades restoration project and the pumps out west, and the fact that we didn’t get a whole lot of rain on the east coast, the C-51 [Canal] flowed at unprecedented capacity,” Liggins said. He added that the South Florida Water Management District’s not drawing down the C-51 Canal, anticipating only about 5 inches of rain, did not appear to affect the canal’s ability to draw off the village’s water. Liggins explained that was “because of the capacity they have
out at 20-Mile Bend now, and the ability to send water both east and west from us. According to the water management district, we had upwards of 10,000 cubic feet per second going, with 5,000 cubic feet going toward the Intracoastal Waterway and 4,500 going out to the [stormwater treatment areas] and bypasses they had set up out there.” Most of the village’s water headed west. “The C-51 stayed in a position where it was able to receive our water the entire time, so that put us in a position where we could open up the gate for Indian Trail and let them pass their water
through the village much sooner than we ever have in the past,” Liggins said. “It worked very well.” Liggins explained that because the coast did not receive as much rain, the SFWMD was able to open a flood gate installed on the C-51 just west of State Road 7 and further enhance the flow. “It put everybody in a position where we could send water to the C-51 in much larger quantities, much sooner,” Liggins said. He said the experience draws to mind the presentations at public hearings by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on the stormwater treatment areas at 20-Mile Bend
and its claims that the structures would reduce flood probability and increase recovery times. “You know what?” Liggins said. “This is the first storm that we actually got to experience it firsthand at its capacity, and that’s why I think we recuperated so quickly.” Liggins said the combination of preventive efforts by the Army Corps, the SFWMD, ITID and the village have greatly reduced the potential for storm damage. “We have done drainage improvements over the years and maintained the system,” he said. “Indian Trail has made improve-
ments over the years to their system, and their ability to move water from one point to another has increased.” Liggins was critical of media reports suggesting that the region’s drainage system did not work well. “There’s limited capacity to get rid of water,” he said. “The system was designed and envisioned to hold back some and release it over time, and it works that way. In this particular case, because of the work of water managers and the federal government, they really allowed us to have a pretty speedy recovery.”
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OUR OPINION
Another Year Passes: We Must Mark The Anniversary Of 9/11 This coming Tuesday marks the 11-year anniversary of what many consider to be the worst day in American history, Sept. 11, 2001, the day terrorists attacked us on our own soil. Though last year’s anniversary was more celebrated, being the 10-year mark — and coming on the heels of America finally finding and killing terror leader Osama bin Laden — the importance of this day has not diminished. The passage of time might have an effect on how we remember some of the details, but for a day as wrought with emotion as 9/11, its impact touched a nerve and will forever remain in our minds. Still, each year it is important to observe Sept. 11 (now officially recognized as Patriot Day) to reflect not only on the tragic events but the positive aspects as well — the courage shown by first responders in New York City, the compassion shown by everyone who in some way lent their support, and the camaraderie shown by people from all walks of life coming together throughout the nation. However, now that bin Laden is dead, much of Al-Qaeda has been killed or captured, and the Iraq War is behind us, we sometimes need a reminder that there are still many American troops fighting overseas in Afghanistan. With the presidential election taking up most of the national news headlines, Americans aren’t hearing much about our international affairs. The War in
Afghanistan began Oct. 7, 2001, less than a month after the terrorist attacks, and United States Armed Forces have been there ever since, with a final withdrawal scheduled for 2014. While it’s easy for Americans at home to see the timetable as entering the “home stretch,” for the men and women currently in Afghanistan — and for their family members waiting back home — time moves a lot more slowly. As we remember everything we lost on 9/11, it’s also important to recall everything we gained. Political divisions were still exacerbated following the 2000 presidential election, yet once America realized it was under attack, we came together as a united people to work through the tragedy and show the world exactly how strong we are. That spirit of national unity is something we need now more than ever, especially in an election year, when divisions are at an all-time high. Though we’ll never agree on everything, we can still co-exist and work together. Join Wellington as it observes 9/11 with a memorial ceremony Tuesday, Sept. 11 before the Wellington Village Council meeting. The ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Wellington Patriot Memorial and will include speeches by local dignitaries, a wreath-laying ceremony and moments of silence. For more info., call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR SFWMD To Blame For The Flooding The fault for The Acreage and Wellington flooding is clearly that of the South Florida Water Management District. The SFWMD’s negligence and poor planning is to blame, and not a conveniently timed hurricane. Isaac dropped a mere 12 inches or so on The Acreage. About 18 years ago we had the storm of the century out here and took 36 inches of rain in 24 hours. There was more flooding with Isaac, even though it was less than half the rainfall. The SFWMD says that the ground was soaked prior to Isaac causing trouble. Well, guess what? All the rainfall in the entire month of August didn’t add up to 36 inches, so I’m not buying it. And still, why was the ground soaked and the water table high just prior to a hurricane? Again, the SFWMD is to blame. But the SFWMD is pointing their long fingers at everyone else. First, they blame Acreage residents for “building in a swamp, and they deserve what they get.” Well, for the record, The Acreage is not and never was a swamp — at least not before the SFWMD came onto the scene. The vast majority of land in The Acreage is scrub land, not swamp land. Pine trees don’t grow in swamps. Now, more recently, the SFWMD is blaming Gov. Rick Scott for the flooding. They claim that he cut their funding, which somehow caused the canals not to work right. But Rick Scott has been governor for only a few years. Why hasn’t the SFWMD fixed the canals previously? So basically, the SFWMD can try blaming others for their negligence, but ultimately, the flooding was all their fault — not the Indian Trail Improvement District, not the Acme Improvement District, not Rick Scott, not Isaac, not Santa Claus and not anyone but the management of SFWMD. With that, I’m saying that we need to petition the governor to change the management of the SFWMD to an elected board. They must be held accountable for their mistakes. Dennis Hawkins The Acreage
Wellington Needs A Live Person To Talk To In An Emergency The Village of Wellington wanted input on how it dealt with Tropical Storm Isaac and asked residents to leave their comments at www.wellingtonfl.gov/accesswellington/town-hall.html. I tried to oblige, but like other would-be responders, I was asked to go to the trouble to reconfigure my browser to accept cookies from www.peakdemocracy.com. This sums up why I chose to respond to their request in the first place.
As the water was rising ominously on Monday afternoon [Aug. 27] toward my home on Lake Wellington, I tried in vain to reach a human being at the village offices by calling (561) 791-4000 for information. After listening to prerecorded messages for half an hour, I gave up and called the nonemergency number for the police station, and the dispatcher kindly told me that the pumps were working at maximum capacity and that two emergency pumps had been activated to drain the lake. Then he wished me good luck. I know that the village offered updates on flooded roadways on its web site, but many homeowners lost their power and could not access the latest advisories by computer or television. Almost all of us were in that situation with hurricanes Frances, Jeanne and Wilma. And many of the most vulnerable, chiefly the elderly, do not even own a computer. There is no excuse for not having a team of emergency-trained volunteers manning village phone lines (when power permits) to answer questions, provide the latest information and help deal with crises arising in individual homes or whole neighborhoods. And we should not need to configure our browsers to accept cookies from www.peakdemocracy.com just to express our concerns or offer constructive criticism after the fact. I don’t know about you, but I prefer my cookies with chocolate chips and my village offices with human operators in an emergency. Dr. Alec Pridgeon Wellington
Responding To ‘Romney/ Ryan’ Letter “Bad arguments prevail if they go unanswered,” therefore I’m compelled to respond to last week’s letter “U.S. Needs Romney/ Ryan.” First, it is important to establish the difference between fact and opinion. Facts, supported by hard evidence, by definition cannot be contradicted, as the writer accuses those who disagree with her of attempting to do. To qualify as fact, such statements require evidence to support that they are not mere opinion which is subject to bias. What was requested was the writer’s evidence. The documentary 2016 suggested for readers to better inform themselves is anti-Obama propaganda using cherry-picked, outof-context quotes, much from Obama’s autobiographical writing. To learn the entire story, readers would be better served by Obama’s autobiography Dreams From My Father, David Maraniss’ well-researched biography or Richard Wolfs’ two books on the Obama administration. I’m glad you agree it would be wise for Romney to release past tax returns in keeping with tradi-
tion (like his father did), because unless he does, questions of, “What is he hiding?” will persist. I can’t agree with the writer’s comment, “What difference does it make?” because it has already become an issue to a large part of the voting public, including some Republicans. As for the comment that Obama should release his college transcripts and disclose who paid his tuition and trip to a foreign country as a poor student: If the writer really believes Romney’s tax returns “don’t matter,” why would Obama’s transcripts? It is obviously not an issue of poor grades because we know from the Maraniss biography that Obama maintained a 3.7 GPS at Columbia and graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law. You don’t get elected president of the Harvard Law Review with poor grades or other serious transgressions on your record. Who paid Obama’s tuition and travel expenses? His autobiography addresses this with disclosure that Obama was a Fulbright Scholar as well as received other merit-based assistance. According to the book, Obama’s travel to Africa occurred after his student years when he was working in Chicago and New York and had some independent income. The mention of Romneycare as being “designed for a single state, not a national healthcare takeover” uses inflammatory language and misrepresents the situation. Legislators labored for months, using Romneycare as a guide, to make it feasible as a national program. Romney/Ryan has offered no detailed plan for achieving universal health coverage, just generalities with no hint as to how it can be achieved or paid for. The writer is right about FactCheck’s confirmation, “We found no evidence to support that Romney, while he was running Bain Capital, shipped American jobs overseas” but neglected to mention the following, also on FactCheck: “There is no question that Bain invested in some companies that helped other companies outsource work and that some of that work went overseas. That was the core business of Modus Media and SMTC Corp — two outsource companies featured in a June 21 article in the Washington Post that has been the basis of recent Obama ads. Bain also invested in U.S.-based companies that sold goods manufactured here and abroad, and some of those companies closed U.S. facilities and eliminated U.S. jobs.” The real issue with Romney’s job record is, to be fair, one must subtract from jobs created, the number of jobs lost to Americans. Additionally, congressional Republicans have blocked every single jobs bill the president put forth. The writer also states the Keystone pipeline was “proven environmentally safe.” References, please, because that is not the complete finding of the EPA.
Obama is blamed for ending the NASA space program, when reality is it was a policy decision of the Bush administration that was rubber stamped, with the cooperation of the Republican Congress in an effort to cut the federal budget deficit. The decision to pay Russia to ferry our astronauts to the International Space Station is far less than it cost NASA to maintain our program and saves considerable taxpayer money. “Regain the respect and trust of other nations” is a lie. A Pew poll last week about global attitudes toward Obama as a leader as summarized by CNN: 87 percent of Germans, 86 percent of the French, 80 percent of the British and 74 percent of the Japanese have confidence in Obama. In each case, more confidence than they have in their own leaders. More striking still, 92 percent of the French, 89 percent of the Germans, 73 percent of the British and 66 percent of the Japanese want to see Obama re-elected. Nancy Tanner Wellington
RNC Offers Rhetoric, But No Solutions I watched a substantial portion of the Republican National Convention and its nearly endless, repetitive, divisive and negative rhetoric. I can summarize the convention in one sentence: The RNC provided an ounce of truth, a pound of lies, a ton of distortions, yet not a trace of substance. If these guys have all of the answers, why, at this critical stage of forming public opinion were they reluctant or incapable of giving the Americans listening even a hint of what those answers might be? The speakers provided a constant stream of disdain for our president’s “failures,” without ever even suggesting that most of the blame for the country’s lack of progress lies not with the executive, but with the lowliest-rated, and most highly disrespected Congress in the country’s history. The Republican commitment to some mythical “no taxes ever” pledge to an egocentric political extremist has stymied all attempts at reasonable compromise to keep the country from a financial precipice. The country has no place for demagogues like Grover Norquist, and the Republican Party must return to the spirit of cooperation and compromise that existed under President Reagan and the first President Bush. Why not suggest that returning the top marginal income tax rate to the 50 percent value that Republican hero Ronald Reagan instituted in 1982 (down from 70 percent under Richard Nixon) would almost, all by itself close the current federal budget deficit? Why not suggest that the artificial cap on the Social Security payroll tax be removed, so that the 6.2
percent tax that employees pay on earned income is paid on all of their earnings, not a regressive limit to the first $110,100? Why not even suggest that Medicare costs, whether it is under traditional Medicare or the new Affordable Care Act, can be very sharply reduced by requiring copays and making benefits partially needs based, so that seniors will shop for healthcare with the same attention to need and price that they apply to shopping for groceries, choosing a restaurant or buying a television? Why should a senior, with a nice car and home, pay absolutely nothing for a routine colonoscopy, or care for an avoidable heart attack, just because he has Medicare and a lowcost Medicare supplement plan? Why not even suggest that Social Security benefits are actuarially unstable? When Social Security started, average life expectancy was age 67, so that payments would have to be made for an average of two years. Life expectancy for someone turning 66 in 2012 is 16 years for men and 19 years for women. Social Security benefits now last an average of almost 18 years, nine times more than when Social Security was originally implemented. To be actuarially sound, the Social Security tax would have to be at least 20 percent, not 6.2 percent. Obviously that would not be sustainable, so why not suggest that benefits be partially needs based, and full retirement age be advanced a year, every two years for the next few decades to slowly bring the system into fiscal balance without materially affecting people close to retirement? In answer to the question, “Am I better off today than I was when President Obama took office in 2009?” I say that anyone who has stocks, bonds, a 401K or IRA, investments in gold, silver, oil futures or a home mortgage that existed before the runaway real-estate bubble created during the George W. Bush administration, yes, yes you are far better off. Since January 2009, the Dow Jones Index is up 62 percent, the S&P 500 is up 65 percent, the NASDAQ index is up 101 percent, and gold is up 99 percent. The interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is half of the 6 percent rate that it was in January 2009, making a new home more affordable for the 90 percent of the young people who are working today than it has ever been since the end of World War II. Besides bringing no answers to
the Republican National Convention, the party leadership brought a ton of distortions, as well as the biggest lie of all. The work of the Obama-led government over the last four years has not only avoided civil and economic disaster, but has taken a major step toward returning our country to real prosperity. Roy Rosner Wellington
GOP Is Counting On Mass Amnesia Republicans seem to survive on half-truths and deliberate partisan spin as their main goal of “rescuing America.” Rewriting history relies on an unreal expectation that the public has forgotten who drove the car into the ditch in the first place. Republicans would like us to forget the war built on lies and who was sitting in the Oval Office. The war built on lies cost us billions of dollars with over 4,000 lives lost in a struggle that didn’t have to be fought and which in all probability destabilized the Middle East. They would like us to forget that the Republican President Bush left office with an unemployment rate over 8 percent and climbing. The Republicans would like us to forget that due to President Bush’s reckless deficit spending policies, he left the new President Obama with $1.3 trillion in debt after receiving a balanced budget from his predecessor, Bill Clinton, who left President Bush with a surplus. The Republicans would like us to forget that the first, almost trillion-dollar bailout of the Wall Street banks was made by President Bush. I don’t blame Republicans for their intentional memory lapses, but I don’t think we should give back the car keys to the folks who drove the car into the ditch to begin with, or elect another Republican who promises to reduce taxes on the wealthiest American while increasing taxes on the poorest and the middle class. Just to clarify a couple of points, Gov. Romney is not a nerd, only the product of a privileged class, and Paul Ryan does not fit any definition of a nerd either; Ryan has “worked” his entire life for his father and well-connected friends of the family inside Washington, but I’m confident that being part of a losing team in November, Ryan could do quite well selling exercise equipment. Richard Nielsen Royal Palm Beach
SEND IN YOUR LETTERS The Town-Crier welcomes letters to the editor. Please keep letters brief (300 words). Submit letters, with contact name, address and telephone number (anonymous letters will not be published), to The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414; fax them to (561) 793-6090; or you can e-mail letters@goTownCrier.com.
OPINION
It’s Time That America’s Horse Racing Industry Cleans Up Its Act When I’ll Have Another was getting ready to race for the Triple Crown in this year’s Belmont Stakes, he suddenly suffered a “breakdown” injury and was pulled from the race. Trained by the somewhat infamous Doug O’Neill, it was later discovered the thoroughbred had been heavily doped with painkillers to
Footloose and... By Jules W. Rabin treat chronic tendonitis. Perhaps the announced freakish injury
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wasn’t all that freakish. It’s hard to believe, but of America’s top 20 horse trainers, only two have never been sanctioned for abusing racing’s hodge-podge rules. Interestingly, across the country the average rate of euthanasia is 24 horses per week! Little doubt that America leads the world in dop-
ing horses in one way or another. Now, under frontal attack, the practice of forcing furosemide, a drug that sheds 20 or 30 pounds of water — plus other sensible prohibitions — is being pushed by a group of 40 important United States horse owners. Steps taken by the New York
BARRY S. MANNING Publisher
JOSHUA I. MANNING Executive Editor
JODY GORRAN Associate Publisher
DAWN RIVERA General Manager
JASON BUD JINSKI Community Editor
RON BUKLEY Managing Editor
EDITORIAL STAFF/ Chris Felker • Denise Fleischman Jessica Gregoire • Lauren Miró CONTRIBUTORS/ Jules Rabin • Ellen Rosenberg • Leonard Wechsler • Deborah W elky ART & PRODUCTION MANAGER/ Stephanie Rodriguez ADVERTISING/ Betty Buglio • Evie Edwards • Wanda Glockson STAFF/ Shanta Daibee • Carol Lieberman • Geri O’Neil
State Wagering and Racing Board prior to the recent, important Travers Stakes are starting to show the way. The board decided to disclose, on the web, every medication given to the horses in the days prior to the race. Also, horses were placed on 24-hour surveillance to ensure all
the ponies got off on the right foot. Perhaps near the top for racing reformers should be banning repeat violators for life. That’s done without fanfare in Europe. It truly is time to clean up America’s horse racing world so that the so-called “boat race” is eliminated.
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September 7 - September 13, 2012 Page 5
NEWS
BINKS FOREST GOLF CLUB HOSTS BENEFIT TOURNAMENT FOR PAULA RICHARDS A benefit golf tournament was held Saturday, Sept. 1 at the Binks Forest Golf Club in Wellington for Paula Richards, who needs a liver transplant. Following the tournament, there was a barbecue buffet and awards ceremony. To make a contribution to Richards, visit patients.transplants.org and search for her name. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Paula Richards (front row, third from left) with event committee members, volunteers and Binks Forest staff.
Winning golfers Ronald Stauffer, Sy Kotalick, Kevin Thomas and Charlie Sigman.
Bob Still won a three-day getaway vacation presented by Jennifer Olszewski.
Binks Forest Director of Marketing Bob Still, Paula Richards and Event Chair Dave Olszewski.
Paul Mezzetti, Mike Chase, Mike Powers and Charlie Sigman were chosen to participate in a $100,000 shootout.
Jennifer Olszewski presents closest-to-the-pin winner Charlie Sigman with a three-day getaway vacation.
Paula Richards draws a raffle ticket with help from Jennifer Olszewski.
Paul and Alicia Foster won a raffle prize.
Six-time raffle winner Darryn Nine.
Page 6 September 7 - September 13, 2012
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CRIME NEWS
Thief Flees Home, Returns For Xbox By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report SEPT. 4 — A resident of Palm Beach Trace contacted the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office substation in Royal Palm Beach on Tuesday evening to report a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim left her home at approximately 7:40 a.m. and returned 20 minutes later to discover a black male teenager, wearing a red shirt and dark pants with an afro haircut standing in her living room. The victim said the suspect had an Xbox controller in his hand, and the game console was disconnected and lying on a shelf. According to the report, the teenager ran out the rear door, and the victim chased him but lost sight of him. The victim then returned home and left for work at approximately 8:30 a.m. without reporting the incident. According to the report, the victim returned home at approximately 4 p.m. and discovered the Xbox was missing. The deputy said there were no signs of forced entry to the home, and the victim said she believes the rear door was left unlocked the following evening and again when she left for work. The stolen item was valued at approximately $300. There was no further information available at the time of the report. ••• AUG. 22 — A resident of La Mancha contacted the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach on Wednesday, Aug. 22 regarding a residential burglary. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., someone cut the screen on the victim’s patio door and entered the home through an unlocked sliding glass door. Once inside, the perpetrator(s) removed jewelry and cash, valued at approximately $5,832. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. AUG. 30 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Royal Palm Beach responded to an alarm call at a home on Kings Way last Thursday afternoon. According to a PBSO report, at approximately 2:45 p.m., someone removed the screen to the rear window of the home and accessed the victim’s master bedroom. Several items, valued at approximately $1,000, were removed from the victim’s jewelry box. According to the report, a neighbor told the deputy a red Toyota with a dent on the hood, driven by a white male, backed into the home’s driveway. The suspect left prior to the deputy’s arrival. There was no further information available at the time of the report. SEPT. 4 — A Royal Palm Beach man was arrested early Tuesday morning on drug charges following a traffic stop in Counterpoint Estates. According to a PBSO report, a deputy from the Royal Palm Beach substation was on patrol in the area when he noticed a vehicle with no tag light. The deputy initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, 24-year-old Noah Silvagi. According to the report, the deputy smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle. A search revealed 1.5 grams of marijuana and a drug pipe. Silvagi was arrested and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail, where he was charged with possession of marijuana under 20 grams and drug equipment possession. SEPT. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to a construction site near the intersection of State
Road 7 and Stribling Way Tuesday morning regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 8 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. the following morning, someone removed several pieces of equipment from the site. The perpetrator(s) stole 12 steel red oxide tubes, 30 four-inch metal B decks and 1,000 tech screws. The stolen items were valued at approximately $1,500. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. SEPT. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington responded to St. Michael Evangelical Lutheran Church on Tuesday afternoon in response to a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim parked her vehicle outside the church and went inside for about an hour. She returned to her car to find that someone had smashed out her front passenger window and removed a brown leather backpack containing a Nook tablet. According to the report, nothing else was disturbed. The stolen items were valued at approximately $260. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. SEPT. 4 — A deputy from the PBSO substation in Wellington was dispatched to the Pointe at Wellington Green shopping plaza Tuesday evening regarding a theft. According to a PBSO report, sometime between 4:50 and 6:40 p.m., someone removed a roof rack from the victim’s 2005 Saturn Ion. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. SEPT. 4 — A resident of B Road contacted the PBSO’s Acreage/ Loxahatchee substation Tuesday evening to report an attempted theft. According to a PBSO report, the victim said that approximately 9:30 p.m. she received a call from her neighbor, who said that the fence to her property had been cut. The victim said she believes that whoever cut her fence was attempting to steal her cows, but nothing was taken. There were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report. SEPT. 4 — A resident of Rambling Drive called the PBSO substation in Wellington on Tuesday to report a case of fraud. According to a PBSO report, the victim was reviewing her current bill with Comcast and noticed a connection charge for which she had no knowledge. The victim contacted customer service and was told that a new service had been created using the victim’s name and information at a former address. According to the report, the victim cancelled her old service with Comcast. The victim believes the homeowner moved back into the home and re-established her account rather than start a new one. There was no further information available at the time of the report. SEPT. 5 — A resident of Folkstone Circle contacted the PBSO substation in Wellington on Wednesday morning regarding a vehicle burglary. According to a PBSO report, the victim said he returned home from work at approximately 4:45 p.m. Tuesday evening and parked his white 1992 Cadillac Deville in his driveway. When he returned to the vehicle at approximately 6 a.m. Wednesday morning, he discovered that someone had smashed in the driver’s-side rear window, opened the glove box and the steering column. DNA evidence was taken at the scene, but there were no suspects or witnesses at the time of the report.
Crime Stoppers of Palm Beach County is asking for the public’s help in finding these wanted fugitives: • Leville Reid is a black male, 6’1” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has multiple tattoos. His date of birth is 05/05/91. Reid is wanted for violation of probation on charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle, burglary of a dwelling and burglary. His occupation is unknown. His last known addresses were 715 MHP in Belle Glade and the 12th Fairway in Wellington. Reid is wanted as of 08/ 30/12. • Daniel Robledo, a.k.a. Abel Perez and Gabino Hernandez, is a white male, 5’5” tall and weighing 150 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He has scars on his left arm and leg, and is blind in his left eye. His date of birth is 04/10/69. Robledo is wanted for failure to appear for jury trial for felony DUI and driving while license permanently revoked. His occupation is construction. His last known address was South 37th Street in Greenacres. Robledo is wanted as of 08/30/12. Remain anonymous and you may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward. Call Crime Stopper s at (800) 458-TIPS (8477) or visit www.crimestopperspbc.com.
Leville Reid
Daniel Robledo
THE INFORMATION FOR THIS BOX IS PROVIDED BY CRIME STOPPERS OF PALM BEACH COUNTY. CRIMESTOPPERS IS WHOLLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTENT SHOWN HERE.
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September 7 - September 13, 2012 Page 7
NEWS
Inspector General Updates Wellington Chamber On Her Goals By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report Palm Beach County Inspector General Sheryl Steckler met with members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce at a luncheon Wednesday, Aug. 29 to discuss her office. Steckler said that the goal of her office is to make sure governments
are kept accountable, not only by state and county laws, but by their own charters and policies. “We have to know every law, every code, every policy that government has,” she said. “It’s really about how government runs. Are we efficient?Are we effective? Are we getting what we’re supposed to be getting?”
Inspector General Sheryl Steckler talks about her position.
This process also affects the business community, which often bids on government contracts. The inspector general’s office has jurisdiction over contractors and subcontractors, she noted. “We have to ask if the business community is getting a fair opportunity,” she said. Steckler stressed that her office is not controlled by any governmental body. “The key to this office is its independence,” she said. “That was very important to the people who were part of the process. This office reports to the people. It does not report to the county commission.” She noted, however, that there is an oversight committee, which includes the state attorney and public defender and members of the Palm Beach County Ethics Commission. “They hire the IG, and they can remove the IG,” Steckler said. “It was intentionally done that way. What we write, a lot of governments don’t want to hear. I have to hold governments accountable to make sure that you, as taxpayers, get your dollars worth out of your government.” Steckler said that her office has access to government files and can audit, investigate and look at contracts. When dealing with businesses working with government, Steckler said her office is very care-
ful. “We have unrestricted access when dealing with a company,” she said. “We understand public records. We also understand nondisclosures. We’re very careful to protect the information we get, and we redact out information from the public when it’s not public information.” More than investigating and uncovering wrongdoing, Steckler said her office is about prevention and education. “It’s about stopping that behavior,” she said. “It’s about better efficiencies, better controls and better oversight. A lot of what we do is really built on prevention, which is hard to measure.” She noted that every decision, investigation, audit and more are available on her web site at www.pbcgov.com/oig. “Each year, I also issue an annual report, because you need to hold me accountable,” Steckler said. “You need to know what is being done with your money.” Also available are educational tools, such as presentations. “We want to educate you, as a citizen, as to what is happening in your government,” she said. For citizens looking to help the office and get involved in local government, Steckler said that training is available. “We will train you on what you should know,” she said. “What is a consent agenda? What is a reg-
Wellington Chamber President Alec Domb presents Cheri Pavlik with a certificate of appreciation for her work with the chamber. PHOTOS BY LAUREN MIRÓ/TOWN-CRIER
ular agenda? What is an RFP? We will train you about what all those things mean so that you can better educate yourself.” Steckler said this is a way for citizens to learn about and be active in their own government. “We have a lot of citizens who are really engaged in this,” she said. Ultimately, Steckler said that her office aims to help governments monitor and change their behavior so as to be accountable to their constituents. “People need to actively enroll,” she said. “It really needs to be a behavior change. Just because
you can [do something] doesn’t mean you should. That is really what I am trying to implore on the government officials.” Steckler stressed that governments and their officials should serve the people and work in the best interests of their communities. “Can you look yourself in the mirror at the end of the day and say you did an honest and good deed with taxpayer dollars?” she asked. For more information about the Office of the Inspector General, visit www.pbcgov.com/oig.
Tournament Director Mike Brady Settling In At Madison Green By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report There has not been a day in his 35-year career that Mike Brady hasn’t looked forward to coming to work. Starting his sixth week as tournament director at the Madison Green Golf Club, he loves coming to work even more now. Brady came from the Inverrary Country Club in Lauderhill, where he was tournament director for four years. “I’ve been doing golf tournaments for 35 years, and what I enjoy most is that I get to help people who don’t quite know how to run a golf tournament,” Brady told the Town-Crier as he sat in his office adorned with jerseys of Miami Dolphins players, posters of Elvis Presley and Major League Baseball player Jeff Conine, and photos of numerous professional golfers he’s helped. “I will go and sit down with their committee and try to stay on top of them all the way through the process.” The reward for that is that he gets to see the good side of celebrities who are doing fundraising to help their foundations. “A lot of these celebrities, when they retire, they don’t know what to do, so they start a foundation that normally will help children or women in distress,” Brady said. “In return, because I do a lot of business with them, they help me at times.” For example, he recently was
Speaks
Facebook Group
continued from page 1 riquez facing Gary Dunkley in the race for Seat 2. “I’m done with politics,” LoveSemande said. “That’s the great thing about this — it has nothing to do with politics. It’s strictly for the residents so they have a place to vent. All the board members are welcome to become members of this group, which I believe four of the five have.” She said the page is open for anyone to share information with
able to get seven pro football players to participate in a benefit tournament in Jupiter because he had helped them with their events. He was also able to get Chick-Fil-A to offer lunch at the event. “There are a lot of little ways you can help people, and I just have that passion still to get up every day, and I have a lot of fun,” said Brady, who is 61. “I enjoy doing my job every day.” Originally from Memphis, Tenn., Brady worked as a caddie to pay for his education in high school and college, where he majored in business. Right out of college, he started working for Jewel Food Stores in Chicago, where a vice president got him playing at Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook. Eventually he was asked to organize golf outings. “I started doing the outings, and I said, ‘Hey, I can do this for a living,’ and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since,” Brady recalled. Brady said Madison Green owner Todd Schoenwetter asked him to come aboard and help get the venue recognized as one of the top golf and country clubs in Florida. “We want to make this a place where you will love having your tournaments, and you will come into a place that has great experience,” Brady said. “We’ve got two pros here who do a great job of running tournaments, Mark Rodg-
ers and Brian Govi. Todd is putting together a really strong team where we can run some major events.” The first professional tournament under Brady’s direction will be the Edge Tour Jan. 3-6, with a $75,000 purse, mainly for Floridabased pros, with part of the proceeds going to professional golfer Bernhard Langer’s foundation, 4 Kids. “We want to showcase our golf course, and... the pro-am proceeds will go to his foundation,” Brady said. Langer is the leading moneywinner on the Seniors Champions Tour, Brady said, adding that his daughter, Jackie Langer, will help run the tournament along with tour director Eric Kaplan. The pro-am tournament will take place Thursday, Jan. 3. “We’re going to bring a lot of celebrities and some pro golfers,” he said. “It’s going to cost $1,000 per foursome. We’ll draw names of pros to play with that company’s foursome.” The top three teams will receive pro shop gift certificates, followed by dinner and an auction, including a foursome to play a round of golf with Langer. All proceeds will benefit 4 Kids. The tournament takes place that weekend. “We’re going to try to get 128 to 144 pro golfers,” he said. “They will play a three-day tournament for the prize money.” Brady’s first big tournament at Madison Green will take place
Sept. 29 — the second annual Kya’s Smiles Golf Tournament in honor of Kya Bliss Kapur, a baby born to Pavan and Kristen Kapur of Boynton Beach, along with her twin sister, Jasmin, on Jan. 28, 2010. At 8 weeks old, Kya was diagnosed with infant leukemia and sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where she endured multiple chemotherapies and medications. She died of a severe respiratory virus on March 19, 2011. “We’re doing a big benefit, and St. Jude corporate office in Memphis is coming here, and the tournament is already sold out with 144 to 160 golfers,” he said. “That’s a great tournament, and Chick-FilA is coming in to do the breakfast before.” Brady said an event he is really striving for is an LPGA tournament. “We’re trying to put a bid in to bring the LPGA back to Madison Green in January 2014,” he said, explaining that it will take a lot of work, as well as cooperation from the Village of Royal Palm Beach, the City of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County. “Our golf course is really getting in shape,” he said. “We’re qualified for it.” Brady is now trying to find two or three companies to pull together $3 million to sponsor the tournament. “That’s our next project to work on,” he said. Brady has also visited local high
residents, including established organizations like ITID or the ALA. “It has nothing to do with politics, whether it’s with the landowners’ association or Indian Trail, or the county, for that matter,” Love-Semande said. She said she was also upset that the media seem inclined to portray residents of The Acreage as backwoods, low-income, unintelligent, uneducated people. “That’s not the case,” Love-Semande said. “We felt this page would give all those intelligent, hardworking property owners the opportunity to voice their concerns with the recent flooding and how the district is being run. It’s
something that I think is long overdue. This has given them an outlet to where they feel more empowered to voice their concerns.” Beck said she really wasn’t pointing fingers until she saw a news conference about the flooding last week with ITID Engineer Lisa Tropepe, ITID Administrator Tanya Quickel and Damone, which she did not feel was done well. “It was very unprofessional,” she said. “It made The Acreage look very negative.” Love-Semande and Beck both say they are offended at the TV news’ coverage of Acreage residents in general, and derogatory comments they see online from
people outside The Acreage. “The comments on some of the news stations’ Facebook pages about residents [included] horrible things like, ‘You guys get what you deserve for living out there,’” Beck said. “They don’t know. They just know what they see on the news.” Damone said she understands Acreage residents’ need to vent their frustration. “Unfortunately, some of it is politically motivated,” Damone told the Town-Crier on Wednesday. “Indian Trail will have an opportunity to fully report on the aftermath of Isaac, and hopefully at that time, a lot of the fears and concerns will be answered.”
Mike Brady in his office at the Madison Green Golf Club. PHOTO BY RON BUKLEY/TOWN-CRIER
schools to offer the course for interscholastic tournaments. “What I want to do is show the high schools that we want to work with them and let the kids expand their horizons of playing golf, so we’re letting high school golf teams play for free,” he said. In return, he hopes schools’ athletic teams will hold their benefit tournaments at Madison Green. “My job is to do a lot of stuff, but at the same time I’m bringing in some major tournaments,” he said. Looking at the walls of his office, he said he has great memo-
ries of all the thousands of tournaments he has organized. “I sit here every day and I feel the people that are on these walls, because I’ve done stuff with all of them and they’re just great human beings,” Brady said. “One day I’d like to write a book on the good side of celebrities, because all you hear is the bad stuff, and I’m on that good side all the time.” The Madison Green Golf Club is located at 2001 Crestwood Blvd. North. For more info., call (561) 7845225 or visit www.madisongreen golf.com.
Wellington Seeking Cleanup Volunteers The floodwaters from Tropical Storm Isaac have subsided, and now Wellington is calling for volunteers to clean up its canal banks as part of the 2012 International Coastal Cleanup. Participants will meet Saturday, Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. at Wellington’s Public Works Facility (14001 Pierson Road), where they will be assigned a section of a canal. Wellington and Keep Palm Beach Beautiful Inc. will provide volunteers with T-shirts, trash bags, gloves, maps and bottled water. The clean-
up wraps up at noon. All volunteers must register in advance by contacting Chris Degler at (561) 753-2587 or cdegler@ wellingtonfl.gov. Students who participate will be eligible to earn community service hours. The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the world’s largest one-day volunteer efforts geared toward cleaning up both coastal and inland waterways. Last year, nearly 600,000 volunteers picked up more than 9 million pounds of trash.
Page 8 September 7 - September 13, 2012
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NEWS BRIEFS Southern Self Storage Helping Flood Victims Southern Self Storage will be assisting Palm Beach County residents who were recently affected by Tropical Storm Isaac by offering them heavily discounted rates on storage units. The company will slash flood victim prices by 30 percent and will also give them one month of free storage in addition to the use of a free moving truck. Southern Self Storage is a locally owned and operated company that opened its doors in early 1985. The company is proud to be a part of the community in which it lives and serves. With over 25 years of industry experience, Southern Self Storage has made a name for itself by providing ultra clean, air and non-air conditioned storage spaces with a variety of sizes that range from closet to commercial. Most locations offer extra-wide doors and even wide-lane access for trucks. A few other benefits include computerized gate access to enclosed lighted grounds, painted concrete floors and video surveillance. All locations provide gate access
year-round with convenient office hours. For more information, contact Tresha Powe at Southern Self Storage at (561) 775-7393, ext. 815, or tpowe@southernselfstorage.com, or visit www.southernselfstorage. com.
Financial Classes Start Sept. 17 In Wellington Financial planner Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU) is coming to Wellington. Classes will begin Monday, Sept. 17 at 7 p.m. at Wellington Presbyterian Church (1000 Wellington Trace). More than 1.5 million families have positively changed their financial future through FPU. Updated in summer 2012, the now nine-week course provides families and individuals with practical tools to gain control of their finances and set themselves up for longterm financial success. The course meets once a week, when a different lesson is taught by Ramsey on DVD followed by a small-group discussion. Lessons include budgeting, relationships and money,
getting out of debt, saving for emergencies and investing. “FPU will not only transform the way you handle money, but also your marriage and other areas of your life,” Ramsey said. “This isn’t a boring financial class. We make learning about money fun and easy to understand so people in every situation can benefit from the information.” FPU lessons also include guest speakers Rachel Cruze, speaker and Ramsey’s daughter; Jon Acuff, author of Wall Street Journal best-seller Quitter and popular blog Stuff Christians Like; and Chris Hogan, counselor and speaker for Ramsey’s organization. The revised FPU will be offered through churches and community centers. After purchasing a membership, each participant receives a workbook, Dave Ramsey’s Complete Guide to Money, an envelope system and an audio CD library. Participants will also have access to budgeting forms and MP3s of all the lessons. For more information, or to purchase a membership, visit www.daveramsey. com. For more information, or to register for the classes at Wellington
Presbyterian Church, call Scott Smythe at (561) 793-1007.
County Artists Are Sought For Airport Exhibit Palm Beach County’sArt in Public Places program invites visual artists who reside in Palm Beach County to submit artwork to be considered for inclusion in a fourmonth exhibition at the Palm Beach International Airport. The exhibition area is on Level 2, across from Sam Snead’s restaurant and bar, the visitor’s lounge and mini putting green. Exhibition dates are Oct. 24 through Feb. 28, 2013. Artists can enter one original, two- or three-dimensional piece of artwork. All media welcome. Artists may obtain a copy of the Call to Artists through one of the following: by visiting www.pbcgov. com/fdo/art/artists, by sending an e-mail request to esinger@pbcgov. org or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to Palm Beach County Art in Public Places, 2633 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, FL 33411. Voted third best airport in the U.S. and sixth best in the world by
Condé Nast, Palm Beach International Airport has become a premier venue showcasing quality original artworks by Palm Beach County’s finest emerging and professional artists. As a major gateway to South Florida, Palm Beach International Airport receives an average of 500,000 travelers per month. Of local, national and international origin, travelers view and frequently purchase works featured in “Art at the Airport” exhibitions. In fact, in all but two of the 24 shows hosted during the past eight years, artwork sales have occurred. Artists keep 100 percent of income from sales. Additionally, artists receive commissions for new works from travelers who’ve seen “Art at the Airport” shows. The deadline for entry is Sept. 26, and there is a $20 application fee.
West Palm Beach Area Pets Go Online Passion for Paws Inc. in West Palm Beach has joined other animal welfare organizations in the area that list their homeless pets
on Petfinder.com, the oldest and largest database of adoptable animals on the Internet. The site currently has over 359,000 homeless pets listed, and it is updated continuously. More than 13,700 animal welfare organizations in the United States, Canada and other countries post their pets on the site. Passion for Paws Inc. pets may be viewed at www.petfinder.com/shelters/ FL1184.html. A potential adopter enters search criteria for the kind of pet he or she wants, and a list is returned that ranks the pets in proximity to the zip code entered. Adoptions are handled by the animal placement group where the pet is housed, and each group has its own policies. Petfinder.com was created in early 1996 as a grassroots project by Jared and Betsy Saul to end the euthanasia of adoptable pets. Since its inception, the site has facilitated approximately 20 million adoptions, making it the most lifesaving initiative in animal welfare. For a complete list of shelter and rescue groups in your area, visit www.petfinder.com and scroll down the left column to “Find Animal Welfare Groups.”
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NEWS
SCOUTS GATHER DONATIONS FOR FLOOD VICTIMS AT TREE’S WINGS IN ROYAL PALM Local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts gathered together Saturday, Sept. 1 at Tree’s Wings & Ribs in Royal Palm Beach to accept donations of food, water and supplies for residents impacted by Tropical Storm Isaac. Items such as canned goods, water, baby items, pet food and bug spray were donated by the general public and passed on to Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue Station #28 for distribution. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Brianna Chianca, Sarah and Deborah Cirincione, and Lydia Williams get motorists’ attention.
Melissa Dalton, Eric Wilson, Ryan Dalton and Samuel Stockwell.
Conner and John Moniger give donations to Chuck Emerton, assistant district commissioner of the Tradewinds District of the Boy Scouts of America.
Abraham Velazquez stacks donated w ater.
Xander Locklair, Zoe Kegley, Chuck Emerton, District Executive Gulfstream Boy Scouts Brett Dean, Tree’s Wings General Manager Erin Peel and Girl Scout Troop Leader Farron Burton.
Chuck Emerton, PBCFR volunteer battalion firefighter John Haney and Girl Scout Troop Leader Farron Burton.
Annual Boys & Girls Club Golf Classic Set For Oct. 6 At Wanderers Club This is an exciting year for the Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, not just because of its 31st annual Wellington Golf Classic on Saturday, Oct. 6 but also because the builders are hard at work on the new club scheduled to open in 2013. The prestigious Wanderers Club will be the host of the 31st annual Wellington Golf Classic with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m.; all proceeds will go directly to programming for more than 750 children served by the Boys & Girls Club of Wellington. The following sponsors have made this event possible: Pat Evans of Illustrated Properties, B/E Aerospace, Gold Star Mortgage Financial Group, Emergency Room Specialists, Fernando Gonzalez of Ameriprise Financial
and Longhorn Steaks. Ed Portman will be celebrating his 31st consecutive year as tournament chairman and founder of the popular local tournament. “For the past 30 years this community has given us the most overwhelming support by coming out and golfing for the kids,” Portman said. “It has been my pleasure to be involved with this great tournament since its beginning, and this year we are looking forward to playing at the exclusive Wanderers Club. I am honored that the tournament has brought in over $500,000 for the kids of the Wellington Boys & Girls Club. The groundbreaking in this past May of the new Neil S. Hirsch Club will enable us to serve more children and further our reach within the western communities.”
Joining Portman as tournament co-chairs are Pat Evans and Woody White; committee members are Jim Bomar, Fernando Gonzalez and “J.R.” Reid. Golfers will register at the Wanderers Club starting at 7 a.m., with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Players will also enjoy snacks and beverage spreads throughout the course. There will be numerous fun and challenging activities on the course, including hole-inone prizes for which golfers will be able to take a swing at winning $10,000 cash, thanks to Fernando Gonzalez of Ameriprise Financial, and a brand-new Audi, thanks to Braman Audi. Immediately following the tournament will be a delicious courseside buffet provided by the Wanderers Club, and an awards cere-
mony with raffle prizes and a silent auction. Golf fees are $150 per golfer or $600 a foursome; sponsorship opportunities are still available. The tournament committee is excited about the milestones they have reached and look forward to another year of swinging success. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wellington provides a safe and supervised alternative for area children ages 6 to 18 after school, during the summer, and on most school holidays. The clubs’ activities promote health and life skills, education and career development and leadership. For more information on this year ’s tournament and on the Boys & Girls Clubs, contact the Special Events Department at (561) 6833287 or visit www.bgcpbc.org.
Planning The Golf Classic — Tournament Chairman Ed Portman, Boys & Girls Club of Wellington Special Events Manager Kevin Murray, co-chairs Pat Evans and Woody White, and Wanderers Club Golf Pro Justin Thompson. PHOTO BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
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PURE THOUGHTS HORSE RESCUE HOLDS AN ‘EMERGENCY REBUILD WEEKEND’
Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue in Loxahatchee Groves held an “Emergency Rebuild Weekend” Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1 and 2. Volunteers assisted in relocating horses from the rescue’s other locations, which were flooded due to Tropical Storm Isaac. The rescue’s dry location has insufficient stalls to house all of its horses, and it is in the process of building 33 more. For more info., visit www.pthr.org or call (561) 254-0415. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Kiki Distefano and Jennifer Swanson with the rescued horses.
Volunteer Theresa Kewley walks Savannah.
Volunteer Mary Wood came from Seminole County to assist in the relief effort.
Volunteers Megan Zwaans and Lauren Murray clean a horse.
Alyssa Kewley drives around in the golf cart.
Dominic Mandese, Kevin Kewley and Brad Gaver have lunch following an afternoon of transporting horses.
ASSORTMENT OF VINTAGE FINDS AT THE WEST PALM BEACH ANTIQUES FESTIVAL
The West Palm Beach Antiques Festival returned to the South Florida Fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1 and 2. Plenty of vendors were on hand offering a variety of antiques, from furniture to vintage clothing. For more info., visit www.festivalofantiques.com. PHOTOS BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
Sisters Leigh and Claire Fisher look at jewelry.
Patricia Vaillancourt holds one of her many dolls.
Vendor Tony Cipoletta of Blacker Estate Sales South.
Hamilton McQueen and Gerry D. Snyder look at paintings.
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NEW HORIZONS STUDENTS LEARN TO BE RESPECTFUL
New Horizons Elementary School focuses on encouraging safe, respectful learning. Students participated in grade level assemblies centering on following guidelines and expectations designed to help students learn to their fullest potential. Students discovered the importance of being responsible, always trying, doing their best, cooperating with others and treating everyone with respect. Pictured here are fourth-grade students with Principal Betsy Cardozo, Assistant Principal Mickey Simmel, guidance intern Kristen Carney and guidance counselor Lynne Bray.
HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER CELEBRATES READING SUCCESS
Dozens of students who achieved their reading goals during the Huntington Learning Center Summer Reading Adventure celebrated last month with a pizza and ice cream party. The students and their families were recognized for reading a total of 240 books, far exceeding the goal of 200. Each student had signed an agreement to read a certain number of books, and most met or exceeded their goal. The students were awarded certificates and “Lamp of Knowledge” trophies signifying their achievements. The Summer Reading Adventure was a huge success and the students have pledged to continue reading and learning.
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SCHOOL NEWS
Wellington Christian Welcomes New Families Wellington Christian School welcomed 55 new families to its campus as the new school year began Monday, Aug. 20. The WCS Parent Teacher Fellowship organization welcomed these new families with the annual New Family Coffee event held Thursday, Aug. 23. New families were treated to a continental breakfast of coffee and donuts donated by the Starbucks in the Wellington Plaza and Dunkin’ Donuts on Okeechobee Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. Each family received a welcome gift basket packed with information to help them get acquainted with all that WCS offers to its students and their families. The New Family Coffee introduces new families to key faculty, staff and parent leadership on campus and is a wonderful time of
fellowship with old friends welcoming new friends into the WCS community. It also allows both students and families to quickly assimilate and get their education and experience at the school off to a great beginning. “It is a wonderful opportunity to experience the first day of school with new families every year,” New Family Event Chair and PTF Outreach Coordinator Jennifer Ross said. Headmaster Dr. Tim Sansbury welcomed the new families to Wellington Christian School by encouraging them to be active in the close-knit, Christ-centered community of families who all share a common goal for their children’s education. Wellington Christian School is located at 1000 Wellington Trace and is an accredited Christian
Mara Mawn and Cathy Connolly school accepting students from PK2 to grade 12. The school offers private tours for interested
families. For more information, call (561) 793-1017 or visit www. wellingtonchristian.org.
TKA Celebrates Junior High Bash At The Rapids Recently, 150 seventh- and eighth-grade students from the King’s Academy West Palm Beach and Clewiston campuses met at Rapids Water Park for the annual Junior High Bash. TKA hosts the Junior High Bash at the beginning of each school year to build community among the junior high students, and they had an amazing time of fellowship and fun while enjoying exclusive use of the park with access to all the attractions. It was a
Dylan Gunawardene, Sean McColgan & Michael Hubman.
great way for students from different campuses to meet and build friendships. When they returned to school, the students were welcomed by some of the Senior Prefect Council members who had Chick-Fil-A meals ready for dinner. Prefect Jacob Percy also gave them a spiritual charge on working hard in every aspect of their life. After dinner, many students walked to Kahlert Stadium to cheer on the varsity football team in its Kickoff Classic against the Benjamin School. The students had a wonderful time despite periods of rain and lightning. The King’s Academy is a nationally recognized private Christian school serving approximately 1,200 students from preschool through 12th grade and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the Association of Christian Schools International and the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools. The King’s Academy serves students and their families across Palm Beach and Hendry counties at its main campus at Belvedere Road and Sansbury’s Way in West Palm Beach, its Clewiston campus on Caribbean Avenue and its satellite preschool campuses in Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens and Royal Palm Beach. More information about the King’s Academy is available online at www.tka.net.
Jared Kirkpartick, Nicholas Kintz, Jacob Brodnick and Bradley Begnoche.
Jazmine Del Valle, Talyor Korte and Oksana Rubis.
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PALMS WEST PEOPLE
BOY SCOUTS HELP CLEAN Hmara Chosen For Good Government Initiative Palm Beach Councilman ness and economic development, UP AT OSCEOLA CREEK JeffRoyal Hmara was selected as a par- the congressional environment, ticipant for the Good Government budget preparation, and finance MIDDLE SCHOOL Initiative Cultivating Leaders of and taxation. Excellence Program at the UniverSome of the presenters includ-
Boy Scouts from Troop 105 and Troop 199 recently conducted a courtyard cleanup at Osceola Creek Middle School. They worked alongside Principal Dan Frank to make the school presentable for the teachers and students returning to school the following week. Troop 105 also assisted Immigration Services with naturalization process during the month of June. The Boy Scouts meet on Monday nights from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Fellowship on the corner of Orange Blvd. and 140th Avenue in The Acreage. For more information, contact the membership chair at (561) 7130623. (Above) Rodney Murray Jr., Billy Campbell, Casey Buttery, James Murray, Craig Buttery Jr., Shane Campbell and Chris Mayer (back).
sity of Miami. The Good Government Initiative provides a venue for elected officials to develop their skills as elected leaders and to hone their ability to practice good governance. The classes will include topics such as budget, finance and taxation issues, ethics, land use, economic and community development, rules of procedure, constituent issues, and working and governing in a diverse community, to name a few. Joining state and local elected officials from Miami-Dade and Broward counties last month, Hmara participated in classes on defining guiding principles of public service leadership, small busi-
ed former U.S. Sen. Bob Graham and Congresswoman Ileana RosLehtinen (R-District 18). “I’ve already learned a lot from an extraordinary group of experienced government officials,� Hmara said. “While the presenters bring a depth of experience to this course, the interaction with classmates, who are also municipal and state officials, has already accelerated my learning as a newly elected councilman. I am very excited about this course, its format and its cadre of exceptional public servants, and I believe that the remaining five sessions will rapidly enhance my ability to serve my constituents in Royal Palm Beach.�
Good Government Initiative — Royal Palm Beach Councilman Jeff Hmara (right) discusses public service responsibilities with former Sen. Bob Graham.
ROYAL PALM BEACH SISK TWINS SHOW HEART SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Oliver Graduates From U.S. Navy Recruit Training Navy Seaman Noah Oliver, son of Sande and John Oliver of Wellington, was recently promoted to his current rank upon graduation from recruit training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill. Oliver received the early promotion for outstanding performance during all phases of the training cycle. Training included classroom study and practical instruction on naval customs, first aid, firefighting, water safety and survival, and shipboard and aircraft safety. An emphasis was also placed on physical fitness. The capstone event of boot
camp is “Battle Stations.� This exercise gives recruits the skills and confidence they need to succeed in the fleet. Battle Stations is designed to galvanize the basic warrior attributes of sacrifice, dedication, teamwork and endurance in each recruit through the practical application of basic Navy skills and the core values of honor, courage and commitment. Its distinctly Navy flavor was designed to take into account what it means to be a sailor. Oliver is a 2008 graduate of Wellington High School and a 2012 graduate of Florida State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree.
The Royal Palm Beach Village Council presented $1,000 scholarship awards to six graduating seniors at a council meeting last spring. The recipients were chosen by the Royal Palm Beach Education Advisory Board Scholarship Committee. Shown above are (left to right) Heather Klotz (Berean Christian School); Genevieve Banaag (Royal Palm Beach High School); Mary Catherine Briones Ramirez (Royal Palm Beach High School); Neil Decenteceo (Suncoast High School); and Michael Walter Rohr (Wellington Christian School). Not pictured: Talershea Messam (Royal Palm Beach High School).
Send Palms West People items to: The Town-Crier Newspaper, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. Fax: (561) 793-6090. E-mail: news@goTownCrier.com.
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Thirteen-year-old Wellington twins McLayne and Savannah Sisk enjoyed their time in New Jersey this summer. While there, they visited Long Beach Island on the Jersey Shore, where their friend Laura Bongarzone took this photo of them creating a heart shape. After some practice, they got the shape “just right.�
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NEWS
YOUNGSTERS GET CREATIVE AT HOME DEPOT’S KIDS WORKSHOP IN ROYAL PALM Home Depot in Royal Palm Beach held a kids workshop Saturday, Sept. 1. This month’s project was to paint and decorate a goal post. Free how-to workshops are offered from 9 a.m. to noon on the first Saturday of each month at all Home Depot stores. A different project is featured each month. Home Depot is located at 220 S. State Road 7 in Royal Palm Beach. PHOTOS BY DENISE FLEISCHMAN/TOWN-CRIER
Jack and Dave Dalie look over assembly directions.
Michael, Shayla, baby Emery and Avery Davis.
Kelly Thomas helps son Zachary don his apron.
John Schwarzhaupt and Kids Workshop Capt. Grace Huber.
Kaylynn, Jazlynn and Malakai Williams paint.
Kids Workshop Capt. Grace Huber hangs photos of the kids.
Ricky and Melanie Soto assemble their goal posts.
The CCFA’s Take Steps Walk Returns To West Palm Beach Nov. 10 Hundreds of walkers are preparing to lace up their sneakers and begin their fundraising to fight digestive diseases in the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America’s annual Take Steps Walk. The walk, which will take place Saturday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. at CityPlace in downtown West Palm Beach, is an important part of the efforts CCFA makes to create awareness and raise funds to support the thousands of people suffering from digestive diseases. “Crohn’s disease, colitis and other digestive diseases are on the rise in individuals across the county,” said Wendy Greenhut, chair of the event. “The disease has affected my family. And, with one in every 200 individuals being diagnosed with a digestive disease, I am sure it has also impacted many
others. I encourage the community to support CCFA by participating in this event. Funds raised at this walk play an integral part in efforts to fund research, educational programs, even treatment for some. Please take a moment to learn more about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation through this event. There are a number of ways you can make an impact.” The West Palm Beach walk is part of more than 100 Take Steps walks that are taking place across the country to support the more than 1.4 million Americans (94,000 in Florida) that are affected by digestive diseases. Supporters are encouraged to create a team and make a difference in the countless number of lives in their community. In addition to the walk festivities, there will be a kids zone with
free food, drinks, musical entertainment and bounce house fun for the entire family. Thousands of people will gather to join the fight against Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis at more than 100 walk sites across the country. Together they will raise money for crucial research and raise awareness of these painful and unpredictable digestive diseases that afflict millions of people. After only a few years, CCFA’s Take Steps Walk has raised over $20 million for research and patient service programs. Its goal is even higher in 2012. CCFA is committed to help transform the lives of those impacted by these diseases to one of a brighter future based on wellfunded, cutting-edge scientific research. The CCFA’s mission is to cure
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. The foundation ranks third among leading health nonprofits in the percentage of expense devoted to research toward a cure, with more than 79 cents of every dollar the foundation spends goes to mission-critical programs. For more information, contact the foundation at (800) 932-2423 or visit www.ccfa.org. Join CCFA on Facebook or follow CCFA and Take Steps on Twitter at www.twitter. com/ccfa and www.twitter.com/ takesteps. For more information about becoming involved in Take Steps for Crohn’s & Colitis, visit www.ccfa. org/chapters/florida or call (561) 218-2929.
Last year’s West Palm Beach Take Steps Walk was held at the Meyer Amphitheatre; this year’s will be held in CityPlace.
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NEWS
Waste Contract An Issue As Groves Council Approves Budget By Ron Bukley Town-Crier Staff Report The Loxahatchee Groves Town Council conducted its first public hearing Tuesday on the budget for fiscal year 2012-13. At the meeting, the council formally set the town’s property tax rate at 1.2 mills, the same rate as last year. They also gave preliminary approval to a budget of $1,426,748, down from the current year’s budget of $2,147,763. There was no public comment on the tax rate. Councilman Ryan Liang made a motion to adopt the rate, which carried 5-0. On the budget itself, Town Manager Mark Kutney said there
were a couple of questions remaining to discuss, including the solid waste assessment with service provider Waste Pro. Kutney explained that Waste Pro is proposing a semi-automated pickup that would be less expensive but would require a fiveyear contract in order for them to recoup their expenses of providing special waste cans and fitting their trucks with the equipment. However, the town is scheduled to re-bid its waste contract next year, Kutney noted. The solid waste fee is slated to go up with the conventional nonautomated pickup, but the coun-
cil approved a $100 per customer annual refund taken out of unassigned funds to lower the rate. Without the automation, the monthly fee is slated to rise from $29.87 per property to $31.26 before the town’s rebate. Waste Pro Marketing Manager Patricia Christensen said a lower rate could be offered only in a fiveyear contract. “We would be more than happy to provide you that lower rate with semiautomatic services, but we have to be able to recover our investment into the equipment that we would have to add,” Christensen said. “There is about a $75,000 cost to provide the resi-
dents with the carts, in addition to modifying our trucks to be able to pick up those carts. We have an investment in both our equipment and our employees.” Vice Mayor Jim Rockett said the town has to issue a request for proposals next year. “That is not an option,” Rockett said. “Does that give you a different perspective? Because I’m interested in a partnership relationship with anybody who provides services for our town, but I get an uncomfortable feeling that you could do it for less if you would provide a different level of service, but you’re kind of holding our feet to the fire. I feel a little bit like a
club is over my head saying, ‘You’ve got to extend the contract five years.’ I don’t like doing business with any vendor that way.” Christensen said that five years is the standard time period for a solid waste contract. “I don’t have authority to ask for anything less than that at this point,” she said. “We would have to go back to our regional vice president and discuss that with him.” Rockett said he was disappointed that Waste Pro had not shown any more creativity in trying to reach a solution. “I don’t think you were creative enough in looking at what
could be done to protect your costs,” he said. “I understand what you’re saying, you have a one-year commitment from us and you have a commitment in costs that’s greater than the increase that you’re getting for the next year.” Rockett said they would set the rate that evening based on what the council knows but asked Waste Pro representatives to see what they can do about reducing the rate. Councilman Ryan Liang made a motion to adopt the 2012-13 budget, which carried 5-0. The second and final budget hearing is set for Sept. 18.
RPB Rec Announces Fall Programs For Pre-Schoolers And Youth The Royal Palm Beach Parks & Recreation Department welcomes both residents of Royal Palm Beach as well as nonresidents to participate in its fall 2012 early childhood programs for boys and girls, ages 3-5 years, and youth programs for older children. EARLYCHILDHOOD PROGRAMS • Early Childhood Passport To Adventure — A Tuesday through Thursday class meets twice a week to help prepare pre-schoolers for VPK through fun recreational activities. Session dates are Sept. 18
Corbett
Residents Warned
continued from page 1 drawn down in the Corbett area as rapidly as possible and repair materials are stockpiled at the berm for immediate use if needed. Every attempt will be made to notify residents if a problem is detected. Since water conditions would be similar to Tropical Storm Isaac, residents should conduct
Groves
Working Together
continued from page 1 that our basin within our district has more allowable discharge than most other communities around us, and that includes Wellington, Indian Trail and everywhere else. That’s one of the reasons we drain so much faster than they are,” he said. “We’re allowed discharges three times more than they are. That was established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers study of many, many years ago.” Saunier explained that the control structure installed on the C-51 Canal several years ago at State Road 7 divided the east basin from the west basin. “Everything that dumps east of that goes to the ocean,” he said. “Everything that dumps west of that goes to the stormwater treatment areas to the west. That has improved our drainage dramatically. It has also increased our allowable discharge.” Saunier said he had received an e-mail from the SFWMD informing him that a roundtable discussion is planned for Wednesday, Sept. 12 and that all the area drainage districts are invited to discuss the after-effects of Isaac and what can be done in the future. Mayor Dave Browning said he had talked to some of his neighbors, who measured well over a
Elder Care
Zoning Board OK
continued from page 1 ity is not a nursing home. “Each resident is capable of independent living with some assistance,” she said. But concerns about parking arose during public comment. Jan Puljanowski, a resident of Royal Palm Beach who owns a neighboring unit, said that the facility has caused his residents parking woes. “They have 14 people and they want to go to 21,” he said. “The people who come to visit their relatives have no place to park. They are parking in my parking lot. For me to rent to someone is very hard. They say: ‘I don’t want to live in this chaos. I want to come home and find my parking place available to me.’” Puljanowski also said that there have been instances of 18-wheeler trucks coming in to deliver to the facility. Flinchum said that the facility is required to have only seven parking spaces based on its number of staff but offers eight spots. Additionally, he noted that residents of Wellington Elder Care aren’t allowed to have personal vehicles and that the facility regulates visitors. “Residents cannot have person-
through Oct. 18 and Oct. 23 through Nov. 29. Classes will be held 10 a.m. to noon. The session fee is $135 for residents and $150 for nonresidents. • Soccer Tots — An indoor, Saturday morning soccer program for boys and girls, ages 2-4 years, will be held at the RPB Recreation Center. Session dates are Sept. 15 through Nov. 3 for 8 classes and Nov. 10 through Dec. 8 for four classes. Class start times are 9 and 10 a.m. for one hour. The cost is $90 for residents and $110 for nonresidents. The cost for a four-week session is $45 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. themselves in a similar manner, including keeping supplies to last them several days. “The water level inside Corbett is decreasing, and additional discharge is being planned that should be in place within a few days; that should greatly help,” Quickel said. “A great deal of effort is being made to improve the situation as quickly as possible.” If there is an emergency, residents can contact the Palm Beach County Emergency Information Center at (561) 712-6400.
• Tuesday Tiny Toes — These formal dance classes introduce ages 2-3 to classical ballet. This instruction is at a more affordable price than most dance studios. Some special dance activities are shared by parent and child. Session dates include Sept. 11 through Oct. 23 and Oct. 30 through Dec. 18. Classes are held Tuesdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. at the recreation center. The session fee is $100 for residents and $120 for nonresidents. • USTATennis For The Itty Bitty — Specialized equipment helps boys and girls ages 4-6 to experience greater success with their tennis skills. Tennis instruction to be held at Camellia Park in Royal Palm Beach. Pre-register at the recreation center for session dates Sept. 6 through Oct. 11 and Nov. 1
through Dec. 13. The cost is $45 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. • Budding Ballerinas Ballet & Tap — This dance class is for ages 4-5 and focuses on mastering basic classical ballet and introducing tap. Pre-register at the rec center for two fall sessions: Tuesdays, Sept. 11 through Oct. 23 or Wednesdays, Sept. 12 through Oct. 24. Class times are 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. or 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. The session fee is $100 for residents and $120 for nonresidents. YOUTH PROGRAMS • Formal Dance Instruction — Registration has begun for 20 sections of youth dance classes for ages 2-10 and will be open to both residents and nonresidents.
Classes are held at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center on weekdays, Monday through Thursday, from September through December. Whether your child is looking to be introduced to or to improve their ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop or theater performance skills, there is an affordable class that meets your child’s needs and schedule. • Baton, Pom Pom & Ribbon — Registration has begun at the recreation center for training with AAU Junior Olympic gold winners for baton performances. Youths in grades four through six may register for this class Wednesday, Sept. 12 through Oct. 18 from 6 to 7:15 p.m. The cost is $58 for residents and $73 for nonresidents. • Karate — Register monthly for beginner or advanced American goju karate. Classes are held
at the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center for age 5 to adult on Monday and Wednesday, 6 to 8 p.m. The monthly fee is $60 for residents and $75 for nonresidents. • Special Needs Fall Family Friday Fun — Register by Oct. 5 for an indoor rotation of varying adaptive sports led by a recreation professional in the Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center gymnasium Friday, Oct. 12 through Nov. 9 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Each participant should register with an adult “buddy” who is willing to participate. All family members are welcome to register. The cost is $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents. The Royal Palm Beach Recreation Center is located at 100 Sweet Bay Lane. For more info., call (561) 790-5124.
Next Girls Night Out Sept. 13 At Players Club September’s Girls Night Out will be held Thursday, Sept. 13 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Players Club in Wellington. This popular monthly event features an array of vendors displaying their juried, highquality merchandise on tables fill-
foot of rain. “I’ve heard some people say 20 inches at the north end,” he said. LGWCD Supervisor John Ryan said that one of his neighbors measured 20 inches of rain. “We know from that microburst a few years ago that different parts of the district can have dramatically different rainfalls,” Ryan said. “We did get water in part of our house, too.” LGWCD Chairman Dave DeMarois said he was impressed with how quickly the water had drained off. “Ten years ago, the water would have been here for a minimum of two weeks,” DeMarois said. Much credit was given to LGWCD Supervisor Frank Schiola, a Riviera Beach firefighter who also functions as the town’s solid waste liaison and spent most of the deluge monitoring culverts for blockages and streets for washouts and other dangerous situations. Town Manager Mark Kutney said that Schiola was out Saturday and Sunday with John Choquette, owner of C&C Loader Service, which had equipment that could remove large items from the culvert mouths. “I want to thank both of them,” Kutney said. “Mr. Schiola has been great in the tropical storm. He was out there being my eyes and ears when I couldn’t get out there.” On Monday, Aug. 27, Kutney
said he was out inspecting the damage. “As I rode around, it became clear to me that this was not going to be your normal event because as I was driving, it kept raining and the situation kept deteriorating,” he said. On Tuesday, Aug. 28, he had three teams operating a rapid damage assessment to try to get some numbers to the county, Kutney said. By that evening, the town and district both submitted damage assessment reports to the county, and on Friday he received word that the Federal Emergency Management Agency would be there assessing the damage Wednesday, Sept. 5. Kutney also advised that the nurseries in town took major hits, with plants submerged four days or longer. Schiola said he became concerned on Saturday when the rain started, and began to monitor culverts for blockage and free them up. “The district had their people here on Saturday, and Sunday the rains kept on coming,” he recalled. Seeing several blockages that he could not free up with a shovel, he called Kutney and enlisted the help of Choquette. “We spent from 2 in the afternoon to 10 p.m. Sunday clearing out culverts,” Schiola said. “Mr. Kutney said, ‘I don’t care if they’re district or town, we need to keep the water flowing.’”
al vehicles,” he said. “That was put in the code specifically to prevent parking issues in these areas. They also regulate visitors. Of course, you have peak days like Mother’s Day where there is a high demand. But the facility meets code entirely on the parking spaces it already has.” Flinchum said the village hadn’t received any complaints, which prompted a confrontation. “We have not been hearing complaints about parking,” Flinchum said. “There have not been complaints about 18-wheelers.” But Puljanowski said he had brought up his concerns at the original hearings. “Are you calling me a liar?” he asked. Flinchum said he was not. Glas-Castro explained that the facility has had 18-wheelers visit on only two occasions, which was to have a storage shed delivered. “Parking has always been restricted,” she said. “There are no personal vehicles, and we encourage staff to carpool.” Wellington Planner Damian Newell told board members that there are fewer cars than if the facility were still multifamily units. “There are four units, each with three bedrooms,” he said. “If it was operating as a multifamily unit and each person drove a vehicle, you’d have three cars per unit parking. That’s consistent with most duplexes in this area.”
But Adams and Board Member Marcia Radosevich were concerned that they might be setting a bad precedent for other units. “We’re talking about setting a precedent,” Adams said. “We’re talking about an increase.” Gutierrez said that the issue could be solved with enforcement, noting that there is a visitor schedule. “Enforce what we are saying,” he said. “If the schedule is followed, you won’t see these problems.” Radosevich said that parking problems are present in most multifamily housing communities. She didn’t want to punish what she felt was a good thing for the community. “It’s difficult just to know where to park when you’re visiting,” she said. “This is not unique to just this situation. I think to not allow it for what could happen would also be wrong. I feel this is a good thing for the community.” Mariaca agreed. “I don’t want to discourage responsible development,” she said. Radosevich asked what would happen if there were complaints, and Flinchum said that because it’s a conditional use, the permission could be removed. Adams made a motion to approve the item, which passed 4-0. Board Chair Craig Bachove and Board Member Carol Coleman were absent, while Board Vice Chair Tim Shields recused himself from the vote.
ing the entire top floor of the Players Club. Each month there is a wide selection of merchandise, including purses, jewelry, spa treatments, clothing, bejeweled sandals and more. In addition, the Players Club provides a special appetizer menu and some drink specials for the attending ladies to enjoy as they browse, shop and chat with their friends. There is also music provided by DJ GFY. The monthly Girls Night Out events are not just a fun night with friends; they are also designed to benefit the community. Each month a different, local nonprofit is selected to benefit from the proceeds of the evening’s raffle ticket
Isaac
Analyzing The Data
continued from page 1 cause storms could still threaten the area. “We are keeping a careful eye on the Atlantic,” Bonde said. “There are two storms out there. Even though they are not projected to hit us, the fact is that we are in the peak of hurricane season. We have to prepare for the next storm. If there was going to be one, we don’t want to say we didn’t do everything we can do. We want to make sure our residents are protected from storms.” Wellington is also working to analyze the data it collected during the storm, hoping it could point to areas where the system could be improved. “We’ll be looking at our system very closely over the next weeks and months to see what we can learn from this storm,” Bonde said. “We’re always reevaluating the system. We constantly ask ourselves if there is anything we can do to optimize the system.” Bonde said Wellington’s next priority is evaluating its system’s performance. “Right now, we’re going through our analysis to see if the system operated as it was designed,” he said. “I think, from everyone’s accounts, it did.” Bonde stressed that Tropical Storm Isaac was an anomaly that
sales, and September’s chosen charity will be Back to Basics Inc. “In September, we thought that we would highlight a charity in our community that has made a huge difference in the lives of so many of our county’s children and their families as they prepare to go back to school,” said Maureen Gross, the director of development and community outreach for Phelps Media Group International. Started by Beverly and Don Perham more than 25 years ago, Back to Basics is a grassroots organization that supplies children in Palm Beach County with “basic” back-to-school supplies — uniforms, shoes, socks and underwear that they would otherwise
not be able to afford. “Over the years, Back to Basics has grown to be able to provide thousands of our local disadvantaged children not only with basic school supplies but also with the ability to go to school feeling proud, smart and prepared to learn,” Gross said. The Girls Night Out monthly event series is sponsored by Phelps Media Group International and the Players Club. For information about becoming a vendor, contact Gross at mbg@phelps mediagroup.com or (561) 753-3389. For information about attending the event, contact Dolores at the Players Club at pcrcatering@ aol.com or (561) 795-0080.
dumped more rain than expected on the western communities. “This was the largest storm we’ve had in recent memory,” he said. “Luckily, we prepared in advance. We did draw down our water level days before the storm. But we got 3 inches of rain before the storm even hit. We tried to get [the area] as dry as possible to absorb as much water as it could.” He said that changes to the system would have to be weighed against the cost, as it’s not likely Wellington will see a storm of that magnitude again anytime soon. “We have to ask what it will cost, and what people are willing to pay,” Bonde explained. One idea that he said has come from Village Engineer Bill Riebe is to replace smaller pipes under roadways that caused water backups. Bonde compared the issue to traffic on a highway, noting that canals are meant to move water more than store it. “If you close one lane, what happens? You have a backlog,” he said. “What happens with water is you have these big pump stations pushing the water, and then it hits a pipe under the road. If it’s too small, just like losing a lane of traffic, you can only push so much through at a time. We are going to look at specific pipes to see if some locations could have done better.” This is just one idea, Bonde said. Meanwhile, the evaluation continues.
“We have a lot of very bright people working on it,” he said. “We try to learn from each storm. Each storm is an opportunity to make changes and improve.” Currently, Wellington has opened all its roads and most, if not all, of the water has been drained from properties, Bonde said. “The southern area of Wellington was harder to dry,” he said. “Some of the property is lower geographically, and the natural slope of the land is to the south and southwest.” But all in all, Bonde said that Wellington weathered the storm well. “Wellington recovered as fast or faster than any neighboring community,” he said. “If you look at the coast, they didn’t get the same rain as we did. It’s a very isolated, unique storm, so you really can’t compare.” He said that Wellington fared as well as it did thanks to the quick response by the South Florida Water Management District. “If it wasn’t for quick action by the South Florida Water Management District, the situation would have been much worse,” Bonde said. “I want to make sure we recognize the quick action they took in order to protect the well-being and safety of our residents.” Wellington is taking resident input on Tropical Storm Isaac and the village’s response. To learn more, visit www.wellingtonfl.gov/ access-wellington/town-hall.html.
Girard
Dancing In The Finals
continued from page 3 ners. “Every week, we just hope that she makes it through,” Justin said. Eliana is living her dream. “Her dream is to dance, perform and bring joy to people,” Striker said. “To see her do that every week is breathtaking, and I have a lot of joy right now.” Eliana receives tremendous support from her fans, from personal letters to packages of cookies. “She has over 7,000 people following her on Twitter, and she’s just loving it,” Striker said. “She enjoys connecting with her fans, and she couldn’t be happier.” The show airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on Fox. To catch Eliana perform live, make plans to attend the
Eliana Girard’s family during a watch party at I’m Greek Today in Royal Palm Beach. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
fall tour of So You Think You Can Dance. The last show of the tour is on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at Semi-
nole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood. For more information, visit www. fox.com/dance.
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After Isaac: Horse Owners Upset With County
In the first installment of Ellen Rosenberg’s series of columns about Tropical Storm Isaac and its effect on the local equestrian community, she spoke to people upse t that the county did not make the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center available to horses in need. Ellen Rosenberg’s Column, Page 23
September 7 - September 13, 2012 Page 21
Field Hockey Festival Comes To Wellington Nov. 22-25
This Thanksgiving weekend, more than 200 field hockey teams will take to the fields of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington for the USA Field Hockey Association’s National Hockey Festival, set for Thursda y, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 25. The event is the sport’s national championship. Page 33
Shopping Spree A TOWN-CRIER PUBLICATION
INSIDE
Business
Group Aims To Foster Ties Between Equestrians And Business Community
Businessman Jack Van Dell is hoping to bridge the gap between equestrians in the community and the businesses that serve them. In August, Van Dell, owner of Van Dell Jewelers, founded the Wellington Equestrian Business Group to cater to businesses and customers related to or involved in the equestrian industr y. With years of experience in the local business community and the equestrian world, Van Dell believes it was a need that was not being met. Page 25
Sports The King’s Academy Hosts Annual Lion Run 5K & Kids Run
The fourth annual King’s Academy Lion Run 5K & Kids Run was a huge success for the school, with 185 die-hard runners participating despite the rain, mud and a 15-minute delay for lightning. All proceeds from this event will go to benefit the King’s Academy’s annual fund. Page 33
THIS WEEK’S INDEX COLUMNS & FEATURES ........................ 23-24 BUSINESS NEWS.................................. 25-27 DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ...................... 29 SPORTS & RECREATION........................33-35 COMMUNITY CALENDAR ...................... 36-37 CLASSIFIEDS ........................................38-42
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FEATURES
Isaac’s Aftermath: County’s Refusal Upsets Horse Owners Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of columns by Ellen Rosenberg on Tropical Storm Isaac and the equestrian community. All eyes, as they say, were on the tropics as Isaac formed in the Atlantic on Aug. 21. Its path, for a while, seemed headed for South Florida. But, finally, it curved south and west, then a little further west, and we were out of the dreaded cone; however, as it turns out, we were not out of danger. A large area of feeder bands broke off from the main storm and decided, like an obnoxious relative, to stay well after his welcome had worn out. The bands first arrived, as predicted, late Sunday night. From 11 p.m. until 2 a.m. Monday morning, the rain lashed down, accompanied by savage lightning and house-rattling thunder, dropping a reported 8 to 10 inches of rain during those three hours. In the morning, there was some standing water, about what you’d expect after a storm, but nothing dire. Power was out in some neighborhoods, roads were puddled: the usual. But this was no usual deluge. A series of training thunderstorms on Monday and Tuesday, eventually dumping up to 18 inches of rain in some areas, concentrated their fury over the western communities, especially Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, The Acreage, Loxahatchee Groves, White Fences, Fox Trail and Get updates all week long... follow Ellen Rosenberg on Twitter at twitter.com/ HorseTalkFL or stop by the Tales from the Trails page on Facebook and click “like.”
Tales From The Trails By Ellen Rosenberg Deer Run. The canals, already full from the initial rains, filled and overflowed. In some neighborhoods, the water had no place to drain, and so it sat and deepened. Homes became islands, and people were trapped; and the horses, so many of the horses who lived in those communities, were stranded, some standing in deep water with no high ground in sight. And the water sat. And sat. And sat. People, and their horses, needed help. “My yard flooded, but my barn’s pretty high, so it was OK,” said Alyce Michelbrink, president of the Palm Beach County Mounted Posse. “A lot of individuals and groups, including the posse and the Acreage Horseman’s Association, have been fantastic, reaching out to people by phone and the Internet to help find dry stalls for flooded horses, and hay and feed for people who lost everything.” However, that was not the whole story. “I’m personally disappointed with Palm Beach County’s lack of response, especially during the first couple of days,” Michelbrink added. “I understand they have a disaster
plan, but the one closest county facility that could have safely housed a lot of horses wasn’t in that plan: the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. This was a catastrophe, a desperate situation, and it required desperate measures.” Instead, people were directed to bring or send their horses to two private facilities: Palms Meadow, in Boynton Beach, or Sunshine Meadows, in Delray Beach. Michelbrink noted that many would have had to drive more than an hour to reach those places, but that the county equestrian center is much closer. “On Monday, Aug. 27, I e- Flooded paddocks and barns were common throughout mailed Eric Call of Palm Beach the area in the wake of Tropical Storm Isaac. County Parks & Recreation, but I never got a response,” Michelbrink said. Despite the demand, it was not to be. “I spoke with Linda Wirtz, assistant manager “I knew it was not Linda’s decision, but she at Jim Brandon, asking if those barns could said no, using Jim Brandon would not be posopen, offering for posse members to help co- sible. She knew people were desperate to get ordinate and support it for any and all horse their horses’ feet out of the water, but there owners in need, run the barns, stay there for was nothing she could do. ‘This isn’t a boardsecurity, check incoming trailers for current ing facility,’ she told me. ‘We don’t have the Coggins tests, all the same stuff we routinely ability to support something like that.’ That do during a show. People were willing to pay was a really frustrating answer,” Michelbrink for stalls, like they do at a show. Many people complained. “The posse had a show, later cankept calling me; the phone never stopped.” See ROSENBERG, page 24
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It Took Quite A While, But My New Grandson Has Arrived For the past four weeks, I’ve been in Kansas City, playing Scrabble with my daughter Jennifer while keeping one eye on her stomach. She had promised to produce the first grandchild containing traces of my own DNA, and I wanted to make sure she didn’t back out at the last minute. She didn’t, but it wasn’t exactly easy. Jen and her husband, Greg, are both engineers, but they also run an organic farm that sells movable greenhouses and supplies microgreens (we used to call them “sprouts”) to all the major restaurants and hospitals in the city. With such a connection to the earth, they were hoping Jen could have a natural childbirth even though she was considered a highGet your Sonic Boomer humor every day! Follow Deborah Welky on Twitter at twitter.com/TheSonicBoomer. On Facebook, stop by “The Sonic Boomer” page and click the “Like” button.
Deborah Welky is
The Sonic BOOMER risk pregnancy. So they hired a woman called a “doula” who, for $500, acted as a patient advocate and massage therapist. I offered to do that for free as a “mom,” but they wanted someone less emotional. Fine. Turns out they made the right choice. Jen’s labor was drug-free, but it took 40 hours, so long that the doctor left to deliver twins elsewhere while Jen was pushing. Greg just looked up, and the doctor was gone. The nurses were gone. Jen might have been pushing, but the
baby was hanging on by its toes. Everyone had given up. Everyone except Jen. Two hours later, my grandson arrived. Three hours after that, I was allowed to see him. Thirty-six hours after that, I was allowed to hold him. It was a long four weeks, but those hours were the longest. The doula said she’d never seen a woman stronger than Jen nor a mother more patient than I. “That’s how we roll,” I said. “Jen does amazing things, and I wait patiently to see what she has done now.” I will admit I was emotionally wrung out by the 40th hour. I had been sitting in the waiting room the whole time, refusing to watch TV or even go out for a snack. I wanted to focus on beaming all my strength Jen’s way. When the hospital wouldn’t allow me to see her immediately afterward, I cracked. My poor son-inlaw came into the waiting room to see if I want-
ed anything, and I shrieked, “I want to see my KID!” It was only another 40 minutes after that. Mother and baby: doing fine. Grandmother: certifiable. But now the baby is home, and Greg and Jen (daughter of a special events manager) announced his name to all in attendance with a small ceremony. Greg came into the room carrying an ice cream cake with a lit candle “0” and three Scrabble racks on top. The letter tiles spelled out his first, middle and last names — but in anagrams. It was up to us to unscramble them. Long story short, his name is not NOORI but ORION and his initials are “ORG.” At first I thought of “dot-org,” but his great-grandmother (my mother) pointed out, “He’s halfway to ‘organic’!” No, he’s 100 percent there. They all are. In their honor, I am eating a carrot and thanking my lucky constellation that it’s over. I’m not really as patient as I look.
Great Acting (Mostly) And Plenty Of Violence In ‘Lawless’ The new movie Lawless has a strong film noir feel to it. In some ways, it reminds me of the tough gangster movies of 50 and 60 years ago, in which it was often difficult to figure out which side was the good guys. But the old films just hinted at violence, and this new movie glories in it. It adds a bit of the slasher genre to that type of film. People are beaten, castrated, raped and, of course (the old standby), killed. Yet it is not a “B” movie, one done on the cheap. The cast is large and, with one exception, excellent. Many critics love the picture, while others hate it. It is Bonnie and Clyde with somewhat less attractive leads. Here the focus is on the violence, not the love story. But, as in the older classic, the leads roam through the countryside committing their crimes while being good old boys and girls, and the villains are the big shots who control the police. The narrator (the grandson of Jack Bondurant, one of the leads) simply portrays his family members as small businessmen being oppressed by the evil hand of government. Some might even see a hat tip to sellers of marijuana or, at the other extreme, any small business protesting government regulations.
Rosenberg
County’s Refusal Irks Equestrians
continued from page 23 celed, scheduled to run at Jim Brandon the following Labor Day weekend, so we wouldn’t even be disrupting their schedule. I explained that letting people bring their horses early would be no different than running a longer show, when people routinely do leave their horses overnight, park their trailers there, and leave a night-check person.” This whole situation has led Michelbrink to wonder why. “I set forth all the possibilities to Linda and Eric, wondering, do they not understand horses’ needs? Typically, horses are fed once, twice or three times a day. People have to be there to make sure they’re all right, clean their
The Bondurant brothers, Forrest (Tom Hardy), Howard (Jason Clarke) and Jack (Shia LaBeouf) are seen at first driving an old truck around their rural neighborhood distributing moonshine. You know they’re good guys because they’re dropping off some at an old lady’s house and later at a wake for a black person. Then the government comes in, led by Special Agent Charlie Rakes (Guy Pearce), a very nasty man. There are city gangsters led by Floyd Banner (Gary Oldman) who get involved as well. And, to add a bit of space, a woman “with a past” escaping Chicago, Maggie (Jessica Chastain) as well as a minister’s daughter (Mia Wasikowska). A lot of people get beaten, often badly. We see a sympathetic, crippled friend, Crick-
et (Dane DeHaan) having his neck broken. Wounds are bloody. Forrest gets his throat cut (and survives). Hills justice eventually prevails over evil government, particularly since a year or so later, Prohibition is ended. The cast, with one exception, is great. Hardy carries off the difficult role as the eldest of the brothers, a large, brooking presence throughout. He exudes the kind of controlled violence we used to see in actors such as Robert Mitchum and Lee Marvin. His strength is always visible, even when he is not moving. His romance with Maggie, a woman as strong as he, is handled beautifully. It seems organic to the plot. Oldman, in a fairly small part, is his usual excellent self. But Pearce outdoes himself in a tour de force performance as the bad guy. Sneering, nasty, there is nothing redeemable about the character. He is the antithesis to the ideal of the heroic Prohibition cop (think Elliot Ness). He is corrupt, more interested in controlling the trade in alcohol to profit from it than in stopping it. He casually abuses women and beats up helpless men. A film like this needs a worthy villain.
The exception to the excellence of the movie is Shia LaBeouf. He is supposed to be a callow kid (which he can handle) who grows into responsibility (which he cannot). He seems out of place in the cast. Although he looked like someone from that era and dressed the part, he never seemed to actually be of it. His romance with the preacher’s daughter seemed contrived. A lot of the film focused on the mythology of stories like that of the Bondurants (the original novel The Wettest County in the World was written by Matt Bondurant). Forrest survived World War I, and the three brothers survived the great flu epidemic in 1918. Everyone was convinced they could not be killed, except, of course, for the bad guys. Unfortunately, the focus on the mythology pulls away from the immediacy of the story, and turns pretentious. It is violent (children should not see this film), and it is raw. But it is also a very well-made film of its genre. I was not originally certain I wanted to see the film. I am not a great fan of violence. But the aura of the film, the acting, the balance of good vs. evil turned Lawless into a worthwhile movie.
stalls, check their water buckets. I felt we were making legitimate requests, but the answer remained no, and people were directed to the other, further, venues,” she said. “That was tough for many, trying to find ways to haul their horses that far in terrible — in some cases, impossible — driving conditions to unfamiliar barns. Then, they’d have to travel back and forth a couple of times a day to care for the horses.” Thanks to the Internet and social media, many people managed to find dry stalls a lot closer, with luckier, unflooded friends or neighbors. “But that’s not what should have happened. I feel as if the county should have stepped up and opened this local facility. What if this storm had happened during the show season and a lot of people with big names and big money were here? I wonder if the outcome would have been different. The local horse commu-
nity supports these facilities year-round. The posse holds all our shows at Jim Brandon. We just wanted safe, dry stalls close to home,” Michelbrink said. “I hope some changes in this policy are made for any future storms. A lot of people would greatly appreciate it. During emergencies, all kinds of county facilities, including schools, are used as shelters, and some also allow pets. I don’t understand why the county equestrian center’s 128 stalls were closed to horses. Seeing the world in blackand-white is OK, but sometimes you need to see gray and bend a little... It’s only the start of September; we still have three months of storm season left. What’s going to happen next time?” Peggy Kovacs, a past president of the posse, was more philosophical. “This storm took everyone by surprise,” she said. “You can’t lay blame with anyone for what happened. It’s not like it was a hurri-
cane, and we would all have prepared for that. This one snuck up on us. However, it should serve as a wake-up call to everyone.” Kovacs also works with the Sunshine State Horse Council (www.sshc.org), which offers information on disaster planning for country property as well as emergency equine evacuation information. As for the Jim Brandon facility not being made available, she pointed out that probably it had to do with liability. “Too many lawyers involved,” she snorted. “It’s a shame there’s so much red tape. I dealt with the county on a lot of issues over the years. It’s a slow-moving bureaucracy, a process that takes time to get anything done. You have to work through the levels. I have a feeling that the ‘no’ we got may not be a permanent ‘no.’ This would be a good time to start a dialogue concerning future plans.”
‘I’ On CULTURE By Leonard Wechsler
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BUSINESS NEWS
Wellington Equestrian Business Group founder Jack Van Dell. PHOTO BY JESSICA GREGOIRE/TOWN-CRIER
New Group Aims To Foster Equestrian-Business Ties By Jessica Gregoire es that are members and present the cards Town-Crier Staff Report when they are shopping. “Anybody could Local businessman Jack Van Dell is hoping get a card, even non-equestrian-related clito bridge the gap between equestrians in the ents without any horses but who want to supcommunity and the businesses that serve port the equestrian industry,” Van Dell said. them. In August, Van Dell, owner of Van Dell Merchants that are part of the group will Jewelers in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, have their own promotions and specials. “The founded the Wellington Equestrian Business perks will vary depending on what is indicaGroup to cater to businesses and customers tive of that business,” Van Dell said. related to or involved in the equestrian indusCardholders are able to view a list of partictry. ipating businesses on the merchant directory, With years of experience in the western posted on the Wellington Equestrian Busicommunities and the equestrian world, Van ness Group’s web site, www.wellington Dell understands the needs and wants of the equestrianbusiness.com. “On there, customarea. For years, he has witnessed a need for ers are able to view who the businesses are, cohesiveness in the equestrian community, where they are located and what promotions and the Wellington Equestrian Business they offer,” Van Dell said. Group is his solution to this problem. For Van The group’s web site also offers a list of Dell, there has been nothing like it in the com- equestrian and polo events scheduled in the munity before. community. “It’s something that has been needed in Wellington Equestrian Business Group’s this community for a very long time,” he said. purpose is to constantly enhance the servic“Nothing really addresses the needs of peo- es available to its merchants, Van Dell said. ple doing business with all the equestrians.” Starting in November, the group will offer The equestrian market is a particular one, monthly business meetings that will assist according to Van Dell. “It’s very deep, very merchants in catering more to equestrians. wealthy and filled with very nice people, and “I’m going to be inviting a different person no one is catering to them,” he said. “They every month who deals with equestrians, such make up half of my customers, and I’m sure as marketing people, Olympic riders, owners during the season they make up half the cus- of big barns and trainers to make the mertomers of all the restaurants and every other chants familiar with equestrian issues,” he business around here.” said. Business members of the Wellington The Wellington Equestrian Business Group Equestrian Business Group receive a decal, will also host events that attract equestrians which is placed on their storefront window. or people who are interested in horses. One The decal lets customers know that the busi- upcoming project will consist of an art gallery ness accepts the Preferred Equestrian Cour- filled with 5,000 square feet of equestrian art. tesy Card. With this free card, available at any To become a member, business owners will one of the merchant locations or through the have to pay $200 per year, but as a promotion group’s web site, customers are able to re- for new members, the first 100 merchants receive specials and promotions. “We’re going ceive 50 percent off the membership fee. “So to put these cards in the hands of all the own- all they have to pay is $100 for the first year to ers, riders, groomers, trainers and anybody become a member, which is really good,” Van who is or has an interest in the equestrian Dell said. industry,” Van Dell said. For more info., call (561) 790-7888 or e-mail All they have to do is look for the business- info@wellingtonequestrianbusiness.com. SEE VIDEO ACCOMPANYING THIS STORY AT WWW.GOTOWNCRIER.COM
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Blue Whale Working On Apps For iOS 6 Blue Whale Apps, a Wellingtonbased iPhone app developer, has announced that it is currently developing apps using the latest iOS SDK in anticipation of releasing updated apps for iOS 6. The company’s engineering team attended Apple’s WWDC 2012 in June when the new operating system was announced. Updates to existing apps are expected, as Blue Whale seeks to take advantage of innovative new features to provide the most functionality to both businesses and consumers. “Both people and businesses have come to rely on our apps for essential activities and entertainment,” said Gregg Weiss, managing director of Blue Whale Apps. “We are making sure they are not left behind when iOS 6 is released this fall. Meeting our clients’ goals, objectives and budget are just as important with the new update as it has always been.” The company’s iOS app development efforts are being structured to make use of the new features of iOS 6. Its apps encompass a range of brand, social media and game-cen-
tric products aimed to ease consumer outreach and communication for businesses, while maximizing customer satisfaction. “Our apps for iOS 6 will be engineered using the latest software development kit,” said Andrei Averbuch, lead engineer of Blue Whale Apps. “Users will be able to fully appreciate the power of the new mobile device operating system, based on customer feedback and our own presence at Apple’s conference.” Planned for release this fall, iOS 6 will include a totally overhauled maps app with tilt and rotate features to optimize viewing. Clear navigation will be accompanied by visual and spoken turn-by-turn navigation in addition to real-time traffic updates. The presence of Siri will also be expanded and will include sports, entertainment, restaurant reservations and movie ratings. This feature will be integrated into select cars, activated via a steering wheel button, to enable an “eyes free” operation when driving. For more information, visit www. bluewhaleapps.com.
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Pavlik Enters Third Year In The Chamber’s President’s Circle
The Wellington Chamber of Commerce honors Cheri Pavlik as she enters her third year in the chamber’s elite President’s Circle Membership. Pavlik is director of business development at Hedrick Brothers Construction and has more than 23 years of multifaceted real-estate development, project planning and interior design experience. Pavlik’s dedication to continued professional development and support of the community is demonstrated by serving as vice president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, board member of the Dolly Hand Cultural Arts
Center in Belle Glade, member of the Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce, member of the ABC Florida East Coast Chapter and member of the Rotary Club of West Palm Beach. Pavlik received a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Michigan State University. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and its trustees would like to congratulate Pavlik on her continued inclusion to the President’s Circle. For more information about the chamber, call (561) 792-6525 or visit www.wellingtonchamber.com.
Cheri Pavlik
Free Health Checks At HealthSource In an effort to make the community healthier, HealthSource of Royal Palm Beach has chosen to recognize National Cholesterol Education Month by offering a free health check throughout the month of September. The health check includes a blood pressure check, a body mass index (BMI) analysis, postural analysis, the booklet HealthSource Simple
Steps to Lower Your Cholesterol and Weight and, if qualified, blood work analysis (which usually costs $200) for only $40. HealthSource CEO Dr. Chris Tomshack said the goal of the health checks is to build better health awareness throughout the country. “Unfortunately, many of us still rely on what we see in the mirror as an effective indicator of health,” he
said. “We hope the health checks will provide a comprehensive view of what’s actually going on inside the body — where it really counts.” The offer is good through September for both new and current patients at the HealthSource of Royal Palm Beach office, located at 125 S. State Road 7, Suite 103. For more information, call HealthSource at (561) 792-4016.
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Dr. Scott Snyder Hosting Radio Show On Health, Martial Arts
Dr. Scott Snyder broadcasts from the WBZT studio.
Royal Palm Beach chiropractor Dr. Scott Snyder is now hosting his own radio show Black Belt Health every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. on WBZT 1230 AM. Coming off the success of his recently published book Black Belt Chiropractic, Snyder discusses the relationship of Eastern and Western healing philosophies and how one can achieve excellent health, utilizing some of the lessons Snyder has learned from years of being involved in chiropractic and the martial arts. Snyder posits that even if one is unable or unlikely to take up karate, he or she can still attain a better level of wellness understanding many of the principles of chiropractic and martial arts. Snyder has been practicing chiropractic medicine in Royal Palm Beach for almost 24 years. His office is located at 11328 Okeechobee Blvd., Suite 9, in Royal Plaza North. For more information, call Snyder at (561) 798-8899. For more information about Snyder’s show on WBZT 1230 AM, visit the station’s web site at www.wbzt. com.
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CENTRAL PBC CHAMBER HOSTS RIBBON CUTTING FOR APEX AUTOMOTIVE
The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce recently held a ribbon cutting for Apex Automotive on Lantana Road, just west of Jog Road (6680 Lantana Road, Suite 12). Services offered include oil changes, tires, computerized engine diagnostics, air conditioning, wheel alignment and brake jobs. Apex Automotive also has a Wellington location at 3200 Fairlane Farms Road, Suite 3. To contact the Wellington location, call (561) 798-9787. To contact the Lantana Road location, call (561) 432-9200. Shown above are Central Palm Beach County Chamber ambassadors and County Commissioner Shelley Vana with Apex Automotive owners Karena and Wes Hamilton, along with staff and family members.
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DINING & ENTERTAINMENT
S.F. Cultural Consortium Exhibit Opens Sept. 22 At FAU Florida Atlantic University’s University Galleries in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters will present the exhibition “New Art: South Florida Cultural Consortium Visual and Media Artists Fellowship” Saturday, Sept. 22 through Saturday, Dec. 15. The exhibition will be presented in both the Schmidt Center Gallery and the Ritter Art Gallery on FAU’s Boca Raton campus at 777 Glades Road. There will be an opening reception with music and a cash bar on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. The Miami-based band Gold Dust Lounge will provide music during the second half of the event at the Ritter Art Gallery. The exhibition and the opening event are free and open to the public. The exhibition presents 11 artists from Florida’s five southeastern counties who have won a highly competitive and generous annual grant awarded by the South Florida Cultural Consortium. This year’s South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship winners are Nellie Appleby (Monroe); Domingo Castillo (Miami-Dade), Clifton Childree (Miami-Dade), Jiae Hwang (MiamiDade), Nicolas Lobo (Miami-Dade), Ernesto Oroza (Miami-Dade), Tom Scicluna (Miami-Dade), Eric Landes (Broward), Mark Moormann (Broward), John Sanchez (Broward) and Phillip Estlund (Palm Beach). The
artists are selected through a twostep judging process by first a regional panel and then a national panel of visual arts professionals. More than 300 artists apply each year, in part because the grant award for each artist of either $15,000 or $7,500 is among the nation’s highest for individual artists. The majority of the artists in the South Florida Cultural Consortium exhibition this year are sculptors and multimedia artists who will be exhibiting alongside painters, photographers and filmmakers. At least three of the artists, Domingo Castillo, Nicolas Lobo and Tom Scicluna, will be creating new site-specific, or situational, works for the exhibition. Scicluna’s project involves deconstructing part of the Schmidt Center Gallery’s ceiling to be reassembled on the wall of the lobby adjacent to the gallery, while Lobo is creating a sculpture designed to block this same lobby area by pushing the boundaries of physical access and public safety. Two traditional artists, painter John Sanchez and photographer Eric Landes, explore aspects of South Florida’s urban and suburban environment. Sanchez paints faithful depictions of South Florida’s sun and car saturated environments, while Landes photographs in two distinct series: Suburban Anxiety Scenes illustrates ordinary subur-
ban images that are somewhat obscured by cryptic personal messages reflecting the agitations of contemporary life, while Night presents old homes under the strange, artificial light used after dark. Jiae Hwang’s large-scale works are also depictive, presenting geometric abstract spaces in her black-and-white drawings, along with a series of smaller, more colorful paintings. Ernesto Oroza also presents colorful abstractions in an installation that projects close-up images of recycled plastic goods crafted in his native Cuban homeland. Oroza pays homage to the terrific resourcefulness of everyday Cubans, who must become “designers of necessity” because new industrial and architectural products are extremely hard to come by in Cuba. Like Oroza’s works, Nellie Appleby’s ecologically themed sculptures and installations also refer to design, specifically interior and landscape design through her use of living plants. Another artist who explores aspects of the built environment is Phillip Estlund, who makes surreal collages often constructed from interior design and architecture magazines. Estlund also creates relief and freestanding sculptures in reference to the raw material of domestic architecture that has become abject through natural disasters, decay or neglect.
Intramixed, a collage by Philip Estlund. Mark Moormann is the only artist in the exhibition to be awarded the consortium grant as a media artist. As a documentary filmmaker, he will present selections from two recent projects: a short piece on the Thessaloniki Festival in Hialeah and a longer documentary on Stetson Kennedy’s struggle against racial injustice. Clifton Childree, an installation artist, also employs and refers to film. Childree creates carnivalesque installations that usually incorporate videos he has created. These videos, like the sculpture surrounding them, reflect early film through their period looks and slapstick humor. The University Galleries are open
Tuesday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors must obtain a $2 parking pass or employ the limited metered parking before visiting the galleries. More extensive parking directions are available online at www.fau.edu/ galleries. The galleries operate an active Museum Education Program that is approved as a Field Experience Provider by the School District of Palm Beach County. Class and other group tours can be arranged both during and at times other than the galleries’ public hours. For additional information on the upcoming exhibition, visit www.fau. edu/galleries.
Dramaworks Announces Casting For Its 2012-13 Season Palm Beach Dramaworks, West Palm Beach’s only resident professional theater, has announced that Maureen Anderman, Dennis Creaghan, Ethan Henry, Margery Lowe, Colin McPhillamy, Angie Radosh, Julia Rowe, Erin Joy Schmidt and Brian Wallace are among the distinguished actors scheduled to appear during the 2012-13 season.
Colin McPhillamy in a scene from Exit the King. PHOTO BY CAROL ROSEGG
Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 13th season launches on Oct. 12 with Lanford Wilson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play Talley’s Folly, which runs through Nov. 11. Erin Joy Schmidt and Brian Wallace are featured as Sally Talley and Matt Friedman, the unlikely sweethearts who find themselves drawn together in an intense romance. Up next is Edward Albee’s A Delicate Balance , starring Carbonell Award winners Angie Radosh and Dennis Creaghan, and Tony Award nominee Maureen Anderman. This Pulitzer Prize–winning play tells the story of a well-to-do Connecticut family whose life is upended when friends, seized by a nameless terror, come to live with them. A Delicate Balance runs Dec. 7 through Jan. 6. The season continues with Lorraine Hansberry’s classic drama A Raisin in the Sun , starring Ethan Henry. In this powerful play, a substantial insurance payment could have life-changing consequences for a poor black family living on Chicago’s South Side in the 1950s. A Raisin in the Sun runs Feb. 1 through March 3. The curtain rises next on the comic romp Exit the King, featuring Colin
McPhillamy as the incompetent king. In Eugene Ionesco’s absurdist work, a dying king has left his country in near ruin. Despite the efforts of the queen and others to convince him he has only 90 minutes left to live, he refuses to relinquish any control. Exit the King runs March 29 through April 28. The season concludes with Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa, with Julie Rowe and Margery Lowe playing two of the five Mundy sisters who make the most of their simple existence in rural Ireland. This Tony Award–winning memory play is told decades later from the perspective of the youngest daughter’s son. Dancing at Lughnasa runs May 24 through June 23. All plays and dates are subject to change. Palm Beach Dramaworks’ performance schedule is as follows: evening performances will take place at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 7 p.m. Sunday. Matinee performances will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Individual tickets cost $55 for all performances. Student tickets are available for $10. Group rates for 20 or more and discounted season subscriptions are also available.
Julie Rowe and Margery Lowe in a scene from Dancing at Lughnasa. PHOTO BY ALICIA DONELAN
Palm Beach Dramaworks is a nonprofit, professional theater and is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the South Florida Theatre League, the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the Florida Professional Theatres Association, the Florida Theatre Conference and the Palm Beach County Cultural Coun-
cil. Dramaworks’ new Don & Ann Brown Theater is located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. For additional information, call the box office at (561) 514-4042, open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., or visit www.palm beachdramaworks.org.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Field Hockey Festival Coming To Wellington Nov. 22-25 By Lauren Miró Town-Crier Staff Report This Thanksgiving weekend, more than 200 field hockey teams will take to the fields of the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington for the National Hockey Festival, set for Thursday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 25. Put on by the USA Field Hockey Association, the event is the sport’s national championship. “This is the premier field hockey event in the nation,” Palm Beach County Sports Commission Executive Director George Linley told members of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce last week. “There is a waitlist of teams trying to get into the tournament. They cannot meet the demands for the number of teams who want to play.” With the level of talent, Linley said that spectators will get to watch the makings of future Olympians. “USA Field Hockey is the national governing body of the sport, which means they get to choose the Olympic team,” he said. “There will be future Olympians showcased [at the event].” Linley said that the tournament is
returning to Wellington because of the village’s unique ability to host the games. “USA Field Hockey is no stranger to Wellington,” Linley said. “In fact, we’ve hosted a version of their national championships seven previous times. We’re thrilled to bring it back to Wellington, where it belongs.” With more than 4,000 competitors and 8,000 spectators expected to come into Wellington, Linley said that many venues were not as well equipped as the International Polo Club Palm Beach. “There are very few amateur sporting events that bring this type of crowd into this community,” he said. “There are very few venues that can duplicate the kind of experience at IPC.” The 200 acres will host 30 field hockey pitches on the five polo fields, with the remaining space used for parking, vendors and spectators. “The entire event will be centrally located,” Linley said. “IPC will be transformed into an athletes village in an Olympic-style festival right on the field.” The competition is divided by
age, with 16 and under, 19 and under and adult divisions. “Ninety-nine percent of the participants will be female,” Linley said. “Field hockey is a very popular sport for young women in high school and college.” Though there are no teams from Florida represented, Linley said it will be a boon for Wellington’s business, with approximately $9 million estimated in visitor spending. Linley encouraged the community to come out and support this unique event. “For an amateur sporting event, there are very few out there that can actually bring 200 teams in a single event,” he said. “If you’re staying in town, try to get out to IPC. This is a really special occasion for the Village of Wellington and Palm Beach County.” The Wellington Village Council approved a sponsorship of the event at its last meeting and will partner with the commission and the International Polo Club Palm Beach to put on the event. For more information, visit the Palm Beach County Sports Commission web site at www.palmbeach sports.com.
The divisions include women’s U-16 and U-19, boys U-16, women’s open and mixed adult (shown here). PHOTO COURTESY PALMBEACHSPORTS.COM
King’s Academy Hosts Annual Lion Run 5K & Kids Run The fourth annual King’s Academy Lion Run 5K & Kids Run was a huge success with 185 die-hard runners participating despite the rain, mud and a 15-minute delay for lightning. The kids run included a one-lap route around the track where the kids raced against the TKA lion mascot. The 5K race took place on TKA’s 60-acre campus and included a multi-surface, off-road course. Many runners would liken this year’s event to the ever-popular “mud runs” that combine a 5K race through mud with military-style obstacles. While personal times may
have been a little slower than usual due to the wet, muddy course conditions, the runners’ enthusiasm was not dampened. Everyone enjoyed the challenge. Awards were presented to first place overall male and female winners, who repeated their wins from last year — Scott Simpson of the King’s Academy (17:28.9) and Michelle Howell of Seminole Ridge High School (21:48.0). Claudia Garrell of Wellington (23:57.5) and Joseph Kappel of Palm Beach Gardens (19:07.5) were the first-place winners in the master’s division. The Kids Fun Run was won by King’s Acad-
Some of the medal winners gather after the race.
emy fourth-grader Mackenzie Weisz (1:56.5), with Cory McDonald and Mia Rodriguez finishing second and third, respectively. The King’s Academy would like to thank Braman Honda and all the event’s sponsors, especially A Winning Smile Dental Excellence, Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company and Whole Foods Market for braving the storm and treating the crowd to balloons, a variety of delicious juices and fresh snacks. All proceeds from this event benefit the King’s Academy’s annual fund and its mission to graduate Christian leaders.
The young participants in the kids run get started.
Alexis, Stephaney, Mariah and Chris Cooper.
Oksana Rubis, Isabella Alvarez and Kelly Ahkee.
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Oxbridge Academy Back-To-School Bash For Boys & Girls Clubs
Oxbridge Academy’s Mark Bodnar with Dayquan Knowles.
Mili Escalante gets ready for some table tennis.
Members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County enjoyed the last days of summer vacation at a back-to-school barbecue bash, hosted by Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches on Aug. 18. More than 150 children and their families attended the all-day event and were warmly received on campus by the independent high school’s administrative team, faculty and student ambassadors. Highlights of the day included a talent show in the auditorium, swimming races, friendly sports competitions, a barbecue buffet prepared by the school’s talented chefs and music by student DJ Alex Pabon. In addition to prizes awarded throughout the day, Oxbridge Academy made donations to each participating club based on the number of members in attendance, good sportsmanship and the results of the competitions. The Marjorie S. Fisher Boys & Girls Club in West Palm Beach received $2,000. The Max M. Fisher Boys & Girls Club in Riviera Beach and the Naoma Donnelley Haggin Boys & Girls Club in Delray Beach received $500 each. “Community partners such as Oxbridge Academy make a difference in the opportunities the Boys & Girls Clubs can provide for our
Oxbridge Academy teacher Sheri Viggiano with Roniesha Hines. children,” said Mary O’Connor, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. “We are grateful that Oxbridge Academy has invited us into their family and look forward to future collaborations.” This was not the first time Oxbridge Academy opened its doors to the Boys & Girls Clubs. The school gave 10 members full scholarships to attend its week-long basketball and lacrosse camps and invited clubs to use the swimming pool, indoor basketball court, media
center and other campus amenities throughout the summer. The campus will continue to be open to Boys & Girls Club members on Saturdays through the school year. “Oxbridge Academy is committed to giving students — no matter their background or financial situation — an unmatched opportunity to succeed,” President and CEO Robert C. Parsons said. “We want our campus to be more than a place of learning and exploration for our students, but also a resource for the entire community.”
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SPORTS & RECREATION
Bass Fishing Kids Hosts Wild Card Tournament Bass Fishing Kids Palm Beach County held its Wild Card Tournament Saturday, Aug. 25 at John Prince Park in Lake Worth. The results were as follows: First place, Nicholas Cotrone of Royal Palm Beach, 7.82 lbs.; second place, Ethan Hamrick of Wellington, 7.81 lbs.; and third place, Nick Fleming of Wellington, 4.58 lbs. The Big Fish was awarded to Fleming, who caught a single fish weighing 4.58 lbs. Bass Fishing Kids hosts eight tournaments a year. Six tournaments
are qualifying events, and one tournament is a wildcard. The top-qualifying anglers will then compete in the kids classic. Participants are divided into two divisions: Small Fry, for children up to 10 years old, and Juniors, for ages 11-17. At the end of every tournament, medals and prizes are awarded. At the classic, the grand prizes are awarded during an honorary ceremony. For additional information about Bass Fishing Kids, or to register for the next tournament, visit www.bass fishingkids.com.
Nick Fleming with his Big Fish catch (4.58 lbs.) and Nicholas Cotrone with a catch (4.09 lbs.).
Ethan Hamrick, Nick Fleming and Nicholas Cotrone with their awards.
Chris Evert/ Raymond James Tennis Classic The 23rd annual Chris Evert/Raymond James Pro-Celebrity Tennis Classic will be held Oct. 26-28. The event will kick off with the Boxholder & Sponsor Cocktail Reception Oct. 26 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Two days of pro-celebrity tennis will take place at the Delray Beach Tennis Center Oct. 27-28. The annual star-studded gala will feature an evening of fabulous musical entertainment and will take place Saturday, Oct. 27 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club. Among the celebrities scheduled to join Chris Evert and compete in the two days of tennis action are actors Christian Slater, Tom Arnold, Jon Lovitz, Scott Foley, Alan Thicke, Kevin McKidd, Maeve Quinlan, Hoda Kotb and many other greats from the world of tennis and entertainment. General admission tickets cost $20 per day. Individual day club seats (reserved seat with seat back) are $40 for each day, with series tickets available for $70 for both sessions. Tickets for the tennis action and the gala dinner are available through Chris Evert Charities at (561) 3942400 or www.chrisevert.org.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR Saturday, Sept. 8 • Women at Rest will present the seminar “Embrace His Grace” on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Covenant Centre International (9153 Roan Lane, Palm Beach Gardens). To register, visit www. womenatrest.net/seminars. • Mounts Botanical Garden (531 N. Military Trail, West Palm Beach) will host the wor kshop “Farm Your Backyard: Vegetable Growing” on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more info., call (561) 2331757 or visit www.mounts.org. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will feature “Grandparents Are Great!” for ages 2 to 8 on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 10:15 a.m. Make a special Grandparents’ Day gift to take home. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • Wellington American Legion Chris Reyka Memorial Post 390 will host the Future Heroes Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club. For more info., call John Isola at (561) 795-2721, Mike Pancia at (561) 324-5403 or Ed Portman at (561) 602-4409, or e-mail wellingtonlegion390@gmail.com. Sunday, Sept. 9 • Genbu-Kai Karate (13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-21) will host Bicycle Safety Day on Sunday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Genbu-Kai has 150 free bicycle helmets to give away, as well as water bottles, whistles, wrist bands and more. For more info., call (561) 804-1002 or visit www.florida genbukai.com. • Grandparents Day will be celebrated with a children’s fashion show Sunday, Sept. 9 at 3 p.m. inside the original Wellington Mall (12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington) hosted by Nimia’s Creations and Portada Florida. For more info., call (561) 255-0549 or (954) 655-8820. • The Wellington Jewish Center (13860 Wellington Trace, Suite 4) will host an open house, shofar factory and family barbecue Sunday, Sept. 9 from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost is $5 per person for the barbecue. For more info., call (561) 333-4663 or visit www. wellingtonjewishcenter.org. Monday, Sept. 10 • The Wellington Garden Club will meet Monday, Sept. 10 at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) with a business meeting at 10:30 a.m. followed by lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a program at 12:30 p.m. presented by birding expert James Currie. RSVP to (561) 791-0273.
• The Central Palm Beach County Chamber of Commerce will hold its monthly luncheon Monday, Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Wellington Community Center (12150 W. Forest Hill Blvd.) featuring Congressman Ted Deutch. Call (561) 790-6200 or visit www.cpbchamber.com for more info. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Engine 2: 28-Day Practice Drill!” Monday, Sept. 10 at noon. Learn about the upcoming Engine 2 Challenge, a diet plan was created by Rip Esselstyn, former professional tri-athlete, firefighter and author. There is no charge. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for more info. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Manners Matter” for ages 4 to 7 on Monday, Sept. 10 at 3:30 p.m. Learn social graces and build confidence with etiquette games and activities. Call (561) 6814100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Simple Seasonal Origami” for age 8 and up Monday, Sept. 10 at 4 p.m. Try your hand at simple origami paper folding. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Crochet Club for ages 9 to 14 on Mondays at 5 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • Panther Run Elementary School (10775 Lake Worth Road) will host Girl Scouts Registration on Monday, Sept. 10 from 7 to 8 p.m. Contact Sue Holmes at (561) 4276902 or sholmes@gssef.org for more info. • The Loxahatchee Groves Water Control District will meet Monday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the district office (101 West D Road). Call (561) 793-0884 or visit www. lgwcd.org for more info. Tuesday, Sept. 11 • The Palm Beach County Commission will meet Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9:30 a.m. in the government center’s Jane M. Thompson Memorial Chambers (301 N. Olive Ave., Sixth Floor, West Palm Beach). For more info., visit www.pbcgov.com. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will feature Crochet Club for age 9 and up on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 18 and 25 at 5 p.m. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will present “Art Smar ts: Writing a Story” for ages 6 to 8 on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Listen to one of the oldest known folktales and learn how to write your own version of See CALENDAR, page 37
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR CALENDAR, continued from page 36 this classic story. Call (561) 681-4100 to preregister. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host “Hooked on Crochet” for adults of all skill levels on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to preregister. • The Royal Palm Beach Village Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at Village Hall (1050 Royal Palm Beach Blvd.). Call (561) 790-5100 or visit www.royal palmbeach.com for more info. • The Wellington Village Council will meet Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Wellington Municipal Complex (12300 W. Forest Hill Blvd.). For more info., call (561) 791-4000 or visit www.wellingtonfl.gov. Wednesday, Sept. 12 • The Acreage library will host “Genealogy Research: The Next Generation” for adults Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 1:30 p.m. Call (561) 681-4100 to pre-register. • The Wellington library (1951 Royal Fern Drive) will host “Board Game Challenge” for age 6 and up Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6070 to pre-register. • The Wellington Art Society will host its first regular meeting of the 2012-13 season Wednesday, Sept. 12 in the Grand Cypress room at the Wellington Community Center. Refreshments will be served at 6 p.m. with the meeting at 7 p.m. For more info., visit www.wellingtonartsociety.blogspot.com. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host a Late Summer Book Discussion for adults on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Staff will lead a lively and informal discussion of To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. Sign up and check out the book. Call (561) 790-6030 for more info. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will host Bilingual Story Time for ages 3 to 6 on Wednesdays, Sept. 12 and 26 at 6:30 p.m. This is a fun family story time in English and Spanish. Call (561) 7906030 to pre-register. • The Indian Trail Improvement District Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday, Sept. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the district office (13476 61st St. North). Call (561) 793-0874 or visit www.indiantrail.com for more info. Thursday, Sept. 13 • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “How to Stay Out of Trouble When Starting Your New Business” on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. A representative from Palm Beach State College’s Small
Business Development Center will teach the best methods for starting a business. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library will host “Superhero Story Time” for ages 4 to 6 on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • A Wellington Chamber of Commerce Small Business RoundTable will take place Thursday, Sept. 13 at 5:30 p.m. at the Binks Forest Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington). Call (561) 792-6525 or e-mail info@wellingtonchamber.com for info. • Cypress Trail Elementary School (133 Park Road, Royal Palm Beach) will host Girl Scouts Registration on Thursday, Sept. 13 from 7 to 8 p.m. Contact Sue Holmes at (561) 427-6902 or sholmes@gssef.org for info. • Friends for Life will host Night of Laughter with Tim Wilkins Thursday, Sept. 13 at Improv Comedy Club & Dinner Theatre (550 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach). Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event starts at 8 p.m. The cost is $20 per couple age 18 and older, with a two-drink minimum per person (including non-alcoholic drinks). Proceeds will benefit Friends for Life. To purchase tickets, call Kelli at (561) 670-9976. For more info., visit www.friendsforlifewpb.org or www. facebook.com/friendsforlifewpb. • The Kravis Center (701 Okeechobee Blvd., WPB) will host Il Volo Live in Concert on Thursday, Sept. 13 and Tuesday, Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. each night. For tickets, visit www.kravis.org or call (561) 833-0691. Friday, Sept. 14 • The Acreage library (15801 Orange Blvd.) will host “Book a Librarian” for adults on Friday, Sept. 14 at 10:30 a.m. Reserve time with a librarian for a 30-minute, hands-on session tailored just for you. Call (561) 6814100 to pre-register. • The Royal Palm Beach library (500 Civic Center Way) will feature “Crafternoon” for ages 5 to 9 on Friday, Sept. 14 at 3:30 p.m. Call (561) 790-6030 to pre-register. • Whole Foods Market (2635 State Road 7, Wellington) will host “Power Dinner” featuring home-style cuisine from the Engine 2 diet Friday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. in preparation for the Jeff Annas Memorial 5K Run. A $10 donation will go to the Whole Kids Foundation. Visit www.wholefoodsmarket.com to pre-register or call (561) 904-4000 for info. Send calendar items to: The Town-Crier, 12794 W. Forest Hill Blvd., Suite 31, Wellington, FL 33414. FAX: (561) 793-6090. Email: news@gotowncrier.com.
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JOHN C. HUNTON AIR CONDITIONING & REFRIGERATION, INC.—Service & new installation FPL independent participating contractor. Lic. CAC 057272 Ins. "We are proud supporters of the Seminole Ridge Hawks" 561-798-3225. Family Owned & Operated since 1996. Credit Cards Accepted
WE CLEAN OFFICES & PRIVATE HOMES — Licensed & Insured. Call for an estimate and to schedule your apartment. Discount for Central Palm Beach County Chamber members and to all new clients for first cleaning. 561-385-8243 Lic. #2012-252779
HOUSECLEANING — 20 yrs experience. Excellent local references. Shopping available. 561-572-1782 HOUSECLEANING — affordable cleaning services, Royal Palm Maids. 561-666-7738 “For all your cleaning needs”
HURRICANE SHUTTERS P&M CONTRACT ORS — ACCORDION SHUTTERS Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, sof fits, aluminum roofs, Serving the W estern Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561791-9777
BOB CAVANAGH ALLSTATE INSURANCE — Auto •Home • Life• Renters •Motorcycle •R V • Golfcart • Boat Serving the Western Communities for 24 years Call for a quote 798-3056, or visit our website. www.allstateagencies.com/ rCavanagh
MOBILE-TEC ON-SITE COMPUTER SERVICE — The computer experts that come to you! Hardware/ Software setup, support & troubleshooting w w w.mobiletec.ne t. 561-248-2611 D.J. COMPUTER — Home & office, Spyware removal, websites, networks, repairs, upgrades, virus removal, tutoring. Call Jeff 561-3331923 Cell 561-252-1186 Lic’d Well. & Palm Beach. We accept major credit cards.
DRIVEWAYS — Free estimates A & M ASPHALT SEAL COATING commercial and residential. Patching potholes, striping, repair existing asphalt & save money all work guaranteed. Lic.& Ins. 100045062 561-667-7716
WH LANDSCAPE & DESIGN — Specializing in Landscape Design Pressure clean your driveway, sidewalk or p atio. For estimate call Mike or James 561-818-5298 or 561-965-0539 Email:mickstur28@gmail.com Lic. #45-5033273 Very Reasonable ALL credit cards accepted
RJA PAINTING & DECORATING, INC. — Interior Exterior, Faux Finish, Residential,Commercial.Lic. #U17536 Rocky Armento, Jr. 561793-5455 561-662-7102 J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor . Lic. #U21552 Call Butch 309-6975 or visit our website at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
JOHN PERGOLIZZI PAINTING INC. — Interior/Exterior - Repaint specialist, pressure cleaning, popcorn ceiling, drywall repair & roof painting. Family owned/owner operator . Free Est. 798-4964 Lic. #U18473 THE MASTER HANDYMAN — All Types of Home Repairs & Improvements. No job too big or small done right the first time every time 40 yrs of satisfied customers. See me on Angies List. Tom (561) 801-2010 or (954) 444-3178 Serving Palm Beach and Broward Counties. BILLY’S HOME REPAIRS INC. REMODEL & REPAIRS — Interior Trim, crown molding, rottenwood repair, door inst allation, minor drywall,kitchens/cabinets / countertops, wood flooring. Bonded and Insured U#19699. Call 7919900 or 628-9215 HANDYMAN AND CLEANING SERVICES — Caza Services for all your handyman and cleaning needs. 18 years experience. No job is too small. Call us today. Insured 561-802-8300 or 754-242-3459
ANMAR CO.—James’ All Around Handyman Service. Excellent craftman Old time values. Once you’ve had me! You’ll have me back! Lic. Ins. Certified Residential Contractor CRC 1327426 561-248-8528
J&B PRESSURE CLEANING & PAINTING, INC. — Established 1984. All types of pressure cleaning, roofs, houses, driveways, patios etc. Commercial & Residential. Interior & Exterior painting. Certified pressure cleaning & painting contractor. Lic. #U21552 Call Butch at 309-6975 or visit us at www.jbpressurecleaningandpainting.com
MINOR ROOF REPAIRS DON HARTMANN ROOFING — Roof painting, Carpentry. Lic. #U13677 967-5580 ROBERT G. HARTMANN ROOFING — Specializing in repairs. Free estimates, Bonded,insured. Lic. #CCC 058317 Ph: 561-790-0763. ROOFING REPAIRS REROOFING ALL TYPES — Pinewood Construction, Inc. Honest and reliable. Serving Palm Beach County for over 20 years. Call Mike 561-3090134 Lic. Ins. Bonded. CGC023773 RC-0067207 JOHN C. BEALE BUILDING & ROOFING — Additions, remodeling, roof repairs & replacements, screened porches. Licensed & Insured. Call for Free Estimates. 561798-6448 ccc1326383 ccc1250306
SECURITY — American owned local security company in business 30 plus years. Protection by officers drug tested. 40 hour course. Licensed & Insured. 561-848-2600
JOHN’S SCREEN REPAIR SERVICE — Pool & patio rescreening. Stay tight,wrinkle-free,guaranteed! CRC1329708 call us 798-3132. www.poolscreenrepair.com
ACCORDION SHUTTERS — Gutters, screen enclosures, siding, soffits, aluminum roofs, Serving the Western Communities. Since 1985. U-17189 561-791-9777
TOWN-CRIER NEWSPAPER CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD HERE 561-793-7606
COLORS BY CORO, INC. — Int./ Ext. residential p ainting, over 20 yrs exp. Small Jobs welcome. Free est. Ins. 561-383-8666. Owner/Operated. Lic.# U20627 Ins. W ellington Resident
AQUATIC SPRINKLER, LLC — Complete repair of all types of systems. Owner Operated. Michael 561-964-6004Lic.#U17871 Bonded & Ins. Serving the Western Communities Since 1990
PETS OF WELLINGTON — 13889 Wellington Trace, Suite A-12, Wellington. Dates: 9/16, 10/14, 11/11 3:30 P.M. till 5:00 P.M. 561-768-2817
SPECIALIZING IN BATHROOM REMODELING — Free estimates serving South Florida since 1980. Quality you expect, service you deserve. Lic. bonded & Ins. U21006 561-662-9258
\ JEREMY JAMES PLUMBING — Licensed plumber, legitimate estimate. Water heaters, new construction. CFC1426242. Bonded Insured. CFC1426242. 561-601-6458 PLUMBING REPAIR — Drain cleaning, roofing repair, roof cleaning & pressure cleaning, facia, & wood, rot rep air, kitchen, door & window rep air. visit us at plumbingandremodeling.net 561-252-3992 CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR AD AD HERE 561-793-7606
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TREES TRIMMED AND REMOVED — 561-798-0412 D.M. YOUNG TREE SERVICE. Family Owned & Operated Lic. & Insured 1992-12121 Visit our website at dmyoungtreeservice.com
PAPERHANGING BY DEBI — Professional Installation,Removal. Repair of Paper. Neat, Clean & Reliable. Quality work with a woman's touch. 30 years experience. No Job too big or too small. Lic. & Ins. References available. 561-795-5263
REALESTATEAUCTIONS.COM Lots, condos, farms & homes Buy or Sell Fast! Rgiacobba@realestateauctions.com 561-822-3896
55 Yr + Villa Apartment for Rent — Royal Palm Beach Blvd. Across from new p ark. 2/2 water and cable included. Access to pool and clubhouse. 1088 Sq. Ft. of living space with screened in porch, ceiling fans in all rooms, vertical blinds on all windows, tile floors, hurricane accordions on all windows. One year lease $825/month. Contact Carlos at 561-379-3685
APAR TMENT OF RENT IN LOXAHATCHEE - Small apartment for rent. Quiet Neighborhood. All utilities included. $700.00 per month. Call 305-481-3789
WELLINGT ON WATERFRONT APARTMENT FOR RENT — 3/2 1 car garage. 561-714-8376 or 561793-1718
FURNISHED HOUSE FOR RENT/ SHORT OR LONG TERM — situated in a cul-de-sac and 5 minutes away from Spruce Meadows, this 2000 sf. 2 story newer house in Shawnessy has hardwood floor throughout and 2.5 bathrooms. Leather furniture, 48” TV and a Piano in main floor. Master bedroom has Jacuzzi. 2 large size bedrooms and bonus room. Wireless Internet, double att ached garage, fenced backyard with BBQ. Weekly housekeeping, linen service and lawn cutting plus all utilities included. For more details call (403) 808-7254 OR (403) 700-2065 106.33 ACRE EQUESTRIAN FARM NEAR AIKEN, SC — Please call Debbie Harrison, Realtor with Blanchard and Calhoun Real Estate Co., at 803-480-5245 for details. HUNTINGTON LEARNING CENTER — in Wellington needs EXAM PREP COORDINATOR Bachelors Degree- Demonstrate Solid Performance on SAT and ACT (either verbal or math sections) Available to work evenings and Saturdays. Also needed: EXAM PREP TUTORS Now Hiring SAT/ACT Prep aration T utors. Must have a 4 year degree preferably in Mathmetics or English. Be available to tutor on Saturdays. Please e-mail your resume to marlenegiraud@hlcwellington.com ENTR Y LEVEL RECEPTIONIST — Computer literate. Heavy phones & filing. Fax resume 561-333-2680
Be a WINESHOP at Home Independent Wine Consultant. Build a career in the wine industry, work own hours, Call 561-843-3288 DRIVERS WANTED — Full time, Part-T ime, Day and Night Shifts. Retirees Welcome. Clean Drivers license required. Wellington Towncar/Cab. 561-333-0181
FRONT DESK — Loxahatchee/ Boynton Beach. Busy Dermatology practices, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568 MEDICAL ASSISTANT NEEDED IN LOXAHA TCHEE/BOYNTON BEACH — Busy Dermatology practice, full-time, experience preferred, must be available for flexible hours, evenings and weekends. Fax resume to 561-790-7568
EMPLOYMENT AD HERE
B2B FIELD REPS W ANTED— Exp anding Counterfeit Money Detection Agency. Top commissions and bonuses paid weekly. No cold calling. Fax resume to 561-5337400 CALL TODAY TO PLACE YOUR
561-793-7606 DRIVERS DEDICATED ACCOUNT! — Top pay. Benefits, Miles. GREA T home-time and more. 1-888-567-4854. Werner Enterprises - $2,000 sign on bonus. WINDOW INSTALLERS WANTED Subcontractors only. Top Pay. No Brokers. Call Matt 561-714-8490
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